Explorer: Smart Systems and the Automatic Dustbin
Build or simulate a touch-free dustbin while learning sensors, servo control, circuits, coding, testing and practical evidence.
Instructor
websys
Course details
Duration
:
6-8 guided hours
Lectures
:
9
Video
:
Practical project
Assignments
:
1
Quizzes
:
1
Level
:
Level 1 · Explorer
- Description
- FAQ
- Notice
- Reviews
Level 1 · Explorer
Build a system that senses and acts
Learn how an automatic dustbin combines an ultrasonic sensor, a controller, code and a servo motor. Then build or simulate the system, test it and explain the evidence.
1LearnUnderstand sensors, movement and code
2BuildConnect and control the complete system
3ProveTest repeatedly and explain the evidence
Designed for beginners: no prior robotics experience is required. Younger learners can work with close adult guidance. Older beginners use the same outcomes with more independence and explanation.
You will learn to
- Identify inputs, processes and outputs.
- Measure distance with an ultrasonic sensor.
- Control a servo safely.
- Assemble and explain a low-voltage circuit.
- Use sequence, loops and conditions in code.
- Test, troubleshoot and improve a working system.
What you need
A suitable controller board, ultrasonic sensor, small servo, breadboard and jumper wires, approved low-voltage power, a light lid mechanism or model, ruler, computer and activity-specific safety equipment.
Supervision: tool use, cutting, drilling and physical construction must follow the facilitator’s risk assessment and learner-age controls.
Do I need prior robotics experience?
No. This is a Level 1 Explorer course designed for beginners.
Must I own the hardware?
No. A facilitator-led build, suitable simulator or rigorous low-resource model can demonstrate the same outcomes.
How is the course completed?
Complete the lessons, submit practical evidence and achieve 80% or more in the final assessment.
Complete each lesson, submit your practical evidence, achieve at least 80% in the final assessment and download your Mindlect progress report.
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Start with the system
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1
1. Welcome, Safety and the Project ChallengeStart here Your challenge Build or carefully model a dustbin that detects a nearby hand, opens its lid, waits, and closes again. You will… -
2
2. Inputs, Outputs and Smart SystemsSystem thinking How the dustbin makes something happen A smart system follows a simple pattern: it receives an input, the controller processes that information,…
Sense, move and connect
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3
3. Ultrasonic Sensor FundamentalsSensing Measure distance with an echo The ultrasonic sensor sends a short sound pulse that people cannot normally hear. The pulse reflects from an…
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4
4. Servo Motor ControlMovement Turn code into controlled movement A servo moves its shaft to a requested angle. The shaft can pull a linkage or rotate an…
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5
5. Wiring and Circuit AssemblyCircuit build Connect one subsystem at a time Good wiring makes the project easier to test. Build the sensor circuit first, test it, then…
Code, test and build
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6
6. Coding the DustbinCoding Sense, decide, move, wait, close Write the behaviour as an algorithm before you write code. The exact blocks or syntax can change, but…
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7
7. Testing and TroubleshootingTest and improve Use evidence, not guessing Debug one subsystem at a time. Write what you expected, what actually happened, what you changed and…
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8
8. Practical Lab: Build and DemonstratePractical Lab Bring the complete system together Use the Mindlect Lab guide while you assemble, test and document the final dustbin. A simulator or…
Show what you know
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9
Practical Project Submission: Automatic Dustbin -
10
Final Assessment: Smart Systems and the Automatic Dustbin -
11
Results, Progress and Your Mindlect ReportYour progress See what you have completed Your report combines course progress, the 20-question assessment and facilitator-reviewed practical evidence. It updates as each part…