Tracktion was an engaging two-part robotics workshop series organized by the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society of IIT, tailored for beginners eager to step into the world of robotics. The series was centered around the design, construction, and programming of line-following robots, providing a comprehensive introduction to both the theoretical and practical sides of robotics.

Led by experts from RoboticGen, the sessions were designed to be hands-on, interactive, and accessible to participants with little to no prior experience in the field.

Workshop 1: Introduction to Robotics and Hardware Fundamentals

The first session laid a strong foundation by exploring the core concepts of robotics. Participants were introduced to key components such as microcontrollers, sensors (like IR sensors), and motor drivers. They learned about basic circuit design, wiring, and how different parts of a robot work together. Through live demonstrations and guided practice, participants assembled their own robot chassis and gained familiarity with hardware integration.

Workshop 2: Algorithm Development and Software Implementation

Building on the first session, the second workshop focused on the logical and programming aspects of robotics. Participants learned how to write code to process sensor input and control the robot’s movements. With guidance from the facilitators, they implemented algorithms to enable the robot to follow a line and navigate through a miniature line maze. The hands-on coding sessions reinforced problem-solving skills and helped participants understand real-time debugging and performance tuning.

The Tracktion workshop series stood out for its beginner-friendly approach, practical learning experience, and expert mentorship. By the end of the series, participants walked away with a solid understanding of how to build and program autonomous robots, setting the stage for more advanced projects in robotics and automation.