Episode 218
Exploring Robotics and Python Through Electronic Projects
The Real Python Podcast · Real Python
August 23, 20241h 6m
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Show Notes
<p>Are you interested in learning robotics with Python? Can physical electronics-based projects grow a child’s interest in coding? This week on the show, we speak with author Marwan Alsabbagh about his book “Build Your Own Robot - Using Python, CRICKIT, and Raspberry Pi.”</p>
<p>Marwan discusses his two conferences talks about building electronics projects with his children. He provides advice on equipment and techniques to make learning Python engaging. </p>
<p>We explore his robotics project and the literal balancing act of designing a robot around the Raspberry Pi. Marwan shares his successes and disappointments while working to incorporate computer vision, joystick controls, and voice commands.</p>
<p>This episode is sponsored by Mailtrap.</p>
<div class="alert alert-primary" role="alert">
<p><strong>Course Spotlight:</strong> <a href="https://realpython.com/courses/python-debugging-pdb/">Python Debugging With pdb</a></p>
<p>In this hands-on course, you’ll learn the basics of using pdb, Python’s interactive source code debugger. pdb is a great tool for tracking down hard-to-find bugs, and it allows you to fix faulty code more quickly.</p>
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<p>Topics:</p>
<ul>
<li>00:00:00 – Introduction</li>
<li>00:02:14 – How did you get started with Python and electronics?</li>
<li>00:04:27 – Snow globe intruder alert system</li>
<li>00:06:57 – Things to keep in mind with a child</li>
<li>00:12:50 – Challenges in teaching a child Python</li>
<li>00:16:34 – Sponsor: Mailtrap</li>
<li>00:17:11 – What are other projects you’ve tried?</li>
<li>00:21:12 – Powering the robot project</li>
<li>00:24:56 – Putting together the robot librarian talk</li>
<li>00:29:47 – Was there any friction teaching kids robotics?</li>
<li>00:32:47 – Adding the complexity of a Raspberry Pi</li>
<li>00:38:27 – Video Course Spotlight</li>
<li>00:39:48 – Hardware components of the robot</li>
<li>00:41:51 – Thinking about access to the equipment</li>
<li>00:45:37 – Assembling the robot project?</li>
<li>00:49:14 – Various control systems</li>
<li>00:54:42 – What experience level is required with Python?</li>
<li>00:55:40 – What concepts were you excited to share?</li>
<li>00:57:59 – Do you think Python is a good language for robotics?</li>
<li>00:59:21 – MicroPython Cookbook</li>
<li>01:00:07 – What are projects you tried that didn’t work out?</li>
<li>01:03:01 – What are you excited about in the world of Python?</li>
<li>01:04:04 – What do you want to learn next?</li>
<li>01:04:56 – How can people follow your work online?</li>
<li>01:05:19 – Thanks and goodbye</li>
</ul>
<p>Show Links:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.manning.com/books/build-your-own-robot?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=book_alsabbagh_build_4_26_23">Build Your Own Robot - Using Python, CRICKIT, and Raspberry PI</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.marwano.com/talks/snow-globe/">Snow globe intruder alert system</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8RMfAc-UFc&t=4s">Snow globe intruder alert system - Marwan Alsabbagh - PyLondinium18 - YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.adafruit.com/">Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35mXD40SvXM">Nina Zakharenko - Keynote - PyCon 2019 - YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="https://realpython.com/podcasts/rpp/86/">Episode #86: The Legacy of OLPC and Charismatic Pitfalls in Teaching Programming</a></li>
<li><a href="https://realpython.com/podcasts/rpp/161/">Episode #161: Resources and Advice for Building CircuitPython Projects</a></li>
<li><a href="https://realpython.com/podcasts/rpp/75/">Episode #75: Building With CircuitPython & Constraints of Python for Microcontrollers</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/MicroPython-Cookbook-practical-programming-microcontrollers/dp/1838649956">MicroPython Cookbook: Marwan Alsabbagh - Amazon.com: Books</a></li>
<li><a href="https://webassembly.org/">WebAssembly</a></li>
<li><a href="https://htmx.org/"></> htmx - high power tools for html</a></li>
<li><a href="https://marwano.com/">Marwan Alsabbagh - personal website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/marwano/">marwano (Marwan Alsabbagh) - GitHub</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Level up your Python skills with our expert-led courses:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://realpython.com/courses/asteroids-game-python-pygame/">Using Pygame to Build an Asteroids Game in Python</a></li>
<li><a href="https://realpython.com/courses/python-debugging-pdb/">Debugging in Python With pdb</a></li>
<li><a href="https://realpython.com/courses/python-assert-statement/">Using Python's assert to Debug and Test Your Code</a></li>
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