Software Foundation and Robotics Integration Certification

This course emphasizes real-world, hands-on learning through practical, problem-solving activities that mirror the skills used by robotics technicians. Using Arduino programming, students will build, program, and continuously improve their ShieldBot robots. By the end of the program, each student will have a fully functional ShieldBot capable of autonomous challenges, along with solid foundational skills in programming and robotics to support further exploration in the field.

The curriculum is entirely project-based, giving students the chance to learn by doing. With a commitment of 2–3 hours per week, motivated learners can complete the course in as little as 3–4 months. To earn a certificate, students must successfully complete all projects according to the provided specifications. These projects will be reviewed and approved by instructors before being submitted for upload. In addition, students must pass a final exam with a score of 70% or higher to complete the course and qualify for one of the SMART Robotics Technician certifications. There is an additional $200 fee for the certification.

This course was approved and endorsed by the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy (CMRA), a recognized leader in robotics and computer science education. CMRA researches how robots can be used as powerful tools to teach Computer Science, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CS-STEM). Their mission is to expand access to CS-STEM for all learners through research-backed, classroom-tested curricula that highlight the most important STEM concepts.