VIRTUAL ROBOTICS TRAINING
Like everything else in 2020, software training for robotics has gone virtual!
When you can't build, program, and battle real robots, the next best things are virtual battle bots. This training makes extensive use of a virtual battle-bot simulator/environment developed by IBM called RoboCode. The robots are programmed in a popular language called Java which is also used in real-world FRC robotics. This training will introduce you to Java and then help you build your skills by programming virtual robots and battling them in the RoboCode arena. As you learn more Java, you can grow your robo mojo by programming increasingly complex robots and battling them against automated trainer bots. As your skills advance you can test them by battling your teammates' bots or even entering scrimmages or international competitions.
RoboCode
- Installing RoboCode
- Setting up the Arena (for a battle)
- Hello Robot (build your first bot)
- Junior Robot (a first look at the Java program)
- Lesson Library (the archive of zoom training sessions)
Java Gym
To get good at programming robots, you need to workout in the Java Gym. Here you can find many excellent online Java tutorials with lots of exercises; check out the following and use the one you like:
- Sololearn
- Code Academy
- Tutorials Point
- Edhesive - you'll need to talk to a teacher or mentor to access this one
The more Java you learn, the better your robots will be. Spend enough time working out in the Java Gym and you'll become a RoboCode Master.