Exploring Robotics and Python Through Electronic Projects

The Real Python Podcast

Are you interested in learning robotics with Python? Can physical electronics-based projects grow a child’s interest in coding? This week on the show, we speak with author Marwan Alsabbagh about his book “Build Your Own Robot - Using Python, CRICKIT, and Raspberry Pi.”

Marwan discusses his two conferences talks about building electronics projects with his children. He provides advice on equipment and techniques to make learning Python engaging.

We explore his robotics project and the literal balancing act of designing a robot around the Raspberry Pi. Marwan shares his successes and disappointments while working to incorporate computer vision, joystick controls, and voice commands.

This episode is sponsored by Mailtrap.

Course Spotlight: Python Debugging With pdb

In this hands-on course, you’ll learn the basics of using pdb, Python’s interactive source code debugger. pdb is a great tool for tracking down hard-to-find bugs, and it allows you to fix faulty code more quickly.

Topics:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:02:14 – How did you get started with Python and electronics?
• 00:04:27 – Snow globe intruder alert system
• 00:06:57 – Things to keep in mind with a child
• 00:12:50 – Challenges in teaching a child Python
• 00:16:34 – Sponsor: Mailtrap
• 00:17:11 – What are other projects you’ve tried?
• 00:21:12 – Powering the robot project
• 00:24:56 – Putting together the robot librarian talk
• 00:29:47 – Was there any friction teaching kids robotics?
• 00:32:47 – Adding the complexity of a Raspberry Pi
• 00:38:27 – Video Course Spotlight
• 00:39:48 – Hardware components of the robot
• 00:41:51 – Thinking about access to the equipment
• 00:45:37 – Assembling the robot project?
• 00:49:14 – Various control systems
• 00:54:42 – What experience level is required with Python?
• 00:55:40 – What concepts were you excited to share?
• 00:57:59 – Do you think Python is a good language for robotics?
• 00:59:21 – MicroPython Cookbook
• 01:00:07 – What are projects you tried that didn’t work out?
• 01:03:01 – What are you excited about in the world of Python?
• 01:04:04 – What do you want to learn next?
• 01:04:56 – How can people follow your work online?
• 01:05:19 – Thanks and goodbye

Show Links:

• Build Your Own Robot - Using Python, CRICKIT, and Raspberry PI
• Snow globe intruder alert system
• Snow globe intruder alert system - Marwan Alsabbagh - PyLondinium18 - YouTube
• Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
• Nina Zakharenko - Keynote - PyCon 2019 - YouTube
• Episode #86: The Legacy of OLPC and Charismatic Pitfalls in Teaching Programming
• Episode #161: Resources and Advice for Building CircuitPython Projects
• Episode #75: Building With CircuitPython & Constraints of Python for Microcontrollers
• MicroPython Cookbook: Marwan Alsabbagh - Amazon.com: Books
• WebAssembly
• htmx - high power tools for html
• Marwan Alsabbagh - personal website
• marwano (Marwan Alsabbagh) - GitHub

Level up your Python skills with our expert-led courses:

• Using Pygame to Build an Asteroids Game in Python
• Debugging in Python With pdb
• Using Python's assert to Debug and Test Your Code

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