Kevin McAleer Courses

Micro-Bit Quad Robot With MakeCode

Learn to control a SMARS Quad robot using MakeCode and BBC micro:bit. Covers hardware setup, leg configuration, movement commands, and programming, with a live demo and downloadable resources.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Build Your Own AI Assistant - Creating a Voice-Activated System

Learn to create your own AI assistant using Python and Raspberry Pi. Covers architecture, hardware/software setup, and implementation of key features like speech recognition and natural language processing.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 8 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Pico SMARS - A Raspberry Pi Pico Powered SMARS

Learn to build and program a Raspberry Pi Pico-powered SMARS robot using MicroPython. Covers hardware assembly, wiring, and coding, with a live demonstration of the robot in action.

• YouTube
• 50 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Paper SMARS - A Robot You Can Print

Design and build a printable paper robot using Fusion 360's sheet metal feature. Learn about material considerations, design techniques, and assembly methods for creating your own customizable SMARS robot.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 14 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

What Is a Robot?

Explore the evolution, components, and applications of robots across various fields, from healthcare to space exploration, including design, electronics, and programming concepts.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 16 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Node-Red Automation, MQTT, NodeMCU & MicroPython

Learn to integrate Node-Red, MQTT, NodeMCU, and MicroPython for home automation. Explore building dashboards, connecting devices, and creating smart systems with practical demonstrations and expert guidance.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 39 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Top 5 SMARS Issues and How to Fix Them

Troubleshooting guide for SMARS robots: addressing common issues with batteries, wheels, Bluetooth, motor shields, and tracks. Practical solutions for DIY enthusiasts.

• YouTube
• 28 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Micro-Bit for Robotics

Comprehensive introduction to BBC micro:bit for robotics projects, covering hardware features, programming, comparisons with other microcontrollers, and practical demonstrations using MicroPython.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 23 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Raspberry Pi Pico & VL53L0X for MicroPython

Learn to integrate the VL53L0X Time of Flight sensor with Raspberry Pi Pico using MicroPython. Includes setup, library usage, and practical demonstrations for robotics applications.

• YouTube
• 40 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Using the Raspberry Pi Pico, PCA9685 and MicroPython for Robotics

Learn to control multiple servos using Raspberry Pi Pico, PCA9685, and MicroPython for robotics projects. Covers I2C communication, troubleshooting, and practical implementation with a robot example.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 11 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

PicoCat & Fusion 360

Learn to design and model PicoCat, a robot based on OpenCat, using Fusion 360. Master 3D modeling techniques for creating custom parts compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico, from basic sketches to complex components.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 23 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

OttoDIY and SMARS Robots

Explore OttoDIY and SMARS robots, their features, differences, and the exciting crossover version. Learn how to build your own and discover various remixes and resources for DIY robotics enthusiasts.

• YouTube
• 21 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Raspberry Pi Pico and Range Finder

Learn to use HC-SR04 Range Finder with Raspberry Pi Pico, including voltage adjustment, wiring, and MicroPython programming. Hands-on demos and practical examples included.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 13 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Raspberry Pi Pico, OpenCat and MicroPython - Servo Easing

Learn to create smooth servo motion using easing algorithms in MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico. Practical examples and real-world applications for robotics projects, including OpenCat implementation.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 13 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Raspberry Pi Pico, OpenCat and MicroPython

Learn to build an OpenCat robot using Raspberry Pi Pico and MicroPython. Covers modeling, motion, inverse kinematics, balancing, and servo upgrades. Includes live coding and demonstrations.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 8 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video