Engineering the Future: Robotics Exploration

Step into the world of robotics at UC Davis Aggie Square in this hands-on engineering camp designed for curious high school students ages 14–16. In this immersive program, you’ll explore how mechanical systems, electronics and software come together to power real-world robotic technologies. Using programmable microcontrollers, sensors and servo motors, you’ll design, build and program a functional robotic arm capable of coordinated movement and automated tasks.

Through guided instruction and collaborative build challenges, you’ll learn the fundamentals of embedded systems, control logic and mechanical design while applying the engineering design process to test, troubleshoot and refine your work. You’ll also experiment with circuits, write Arduino code and gain experience integrating hardware and software into a complete robotic system.

Students will visit the Aggie Square Tech Foundry to see modern prototyping tools—such as 3D printers—and learn how engineers use these technologies to bring ideas to life. By the end of the program, you’ll demonstrate your robotic arm in action and walk away with practical experience in applied robotics, engineering problem-solving and STEM innovation.

Who Should Register:

• Students who are curious about engineering, robotics or coding and enjoy building and experimenting
• Teens exploring engineering as a future college major
• Students interested in participating in robotics clubs or makerspaces and want a hands-on STEM experience beyond the classroom
• No prior robotics experience is required

What You’ll Learn

• The fundamentals of embedded systems and control logic used in robotics
• Basic electronic circuit principles and how they power robotic components
• How sensors collect data and how microcontrollers process inputs and control movement
• Mechanical design considerations that affect stability, range of motion and precision
• The engineering design process, including planning, testing and iterative improvement
• How robotics technologies are used in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and environmental technology
• How engineers integrate hardware and software into complete automated systems

Skills You’ll Gain

• Breadboard circuit assembly and clean wiring techniques
• Programming and modifying Arduino code for robotic control
• Servo motor calibration and multi-joint movement coordination
• Building and troubleshooting circuits that control LEDs and motors
• Mechanical assembly and evaluation of movement constraints
• Systems integration and iterative prototyping
• Structured debugging and performance testing
• Team collaboration and technical communication through project demonstrations