The idea of robotics is no longer futuristic; it’s already shaping how we learn, explore, and innovate. For me, it began not in a corporate lab but in rural classrooms, where I introduced BBC micro:bit robotics to young students. A year later, that journey took a new direction as I began working on a major college project—developing an Arduino-based Smart Bike with an anti-collision system.
This article shares how teaching robotics at the grassroots level gave me the foundation to solve real-world problems and how you, as a student, can use your skills to do the same.
My Experience with the BBC Micro:bit
In January 2024, I joined RNT Robotics in Kolhapur as a Technical Trainer. Our mission was simple yet impactful: teach the basics of robotics to students in Zilla Parishad schools.
What I Did:
- Conducted over 300 training sessions in 10+ schools
- Taught 200+ students and 50+ teachers
- Focused on block-based coding, sensors, and micro:bit controls
The BBC micro:bit’s LED matrix, accelerometer, and Bluetooth functionality made it an ideal teaching tool for beginners. More than that, teaching it helped me learn how to break down complex concepts, communicate clearly, and build structured lesson plans.
Key Skills Developed:
- Syllabus customization and delivery
- Project planning and classroom execution
- Device troubleshooting and sensor integration
- Communication and mentoring skills
These soft and technical skills became the building blocks for my transition into a full-fledged robotics project in college.
Smart Bike Project
After nearly a year of teaching, I was eager to apply everything I’d learned to a real-world problem. This led to my college-level innovation—Smart Bike’s Automatic Sidelight Indicator and Anti-Collision System.
Project Overview
The controller for the Smart Bike was Arduino Uno. My goal was to enhance road safety using affordable and accessible technologies.
Key Features
- Automatic sidelights based on tilt detection
- Obstacle detection using ultrasonic sensors
- Buzzer and haptic alerts for immediate feedback
- Emergency braking logic for collision prevention
Sensors Used
- MPU6050 – for tilt sensing
- Ultrasonic sensor – for obstacle detection
This wasn’t just a prototype; it was a complete project that taught me to combine logic, safety, and real-time data processing to solve a pressing problem.
Advice for Students Interested in Robotics or Engineering Projects
If you’re considering diving into robotics, here’s what worked for me and what I’d recommend to others:
- Start Teaching or Volunteering: Sharing your knowledge forces you to learn and simplify.
- Master One Microcontroller: Whether it’s Arduino or micro:bit, learn it thoroughly before branching out.
- Document Your Progress: Maintain a portfolio on GitHub, Notion, or even a blog.
- Begin Small: Start with simple projects like LED blinking and work your way up to sensor automation.
- Solve Real Problems: Align your projects with actual challenges—like bike safety, power outages, or smart homes.
My journey from teaching robotics to building a smart safety system for bikes was more than a technical upgrade; it was a mindset shift.
It wasn’t just the microcontroller or the code that made the difference. It was the ability to observe, adapt, simplify, and solve problems that made the project meaningful.