Summer Springboard
Robotics
ON THE CAMPUS OF CAL POLY SLO
WHERE INNOVATION MEETS COLLABORATION: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ROBOTICS ENGINEERING
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Robotics @ Cal Poly SLO
- Understand core electronics, microcontrollers, programming toolchains, and digital/analog I/O (including PWM and timing).
- Learn how to control motors, integrate sensors, and apply basic control and autonomy principles.
- Develop skills in locomotion, odometry, system integration, and foundational navigation.
- Gain knowledge of power systems, mechanical assembly, and effective debugging techniques.
- Build, wire, and program robots that can sense and react to their environment through daily hands-on challenges.
- Apply robotics concepts in a final autonomous robot project and explore real-world AI and robotics during visits to the agricultural mechatronics lab and TRIC Robotics.
Summer Springboard
Robotics
About This Course
This program introduces students to the mechanics, electronics, and intelligence behind autonomous machines. Students learn to build, wire, and program robots capable of sensing and reacting to their environment. Through daily hands-on challenges, they gain a foundation in motors, sensors, microcontrollers, and autonomy.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
The final project challenges teams to design and demonstrate a robot that can navigate and make decisions independently, simulating real-world robotics applications.
Career Exploration
The final project challenges teams to design and demonstrate a robot that can navigate and make decisions independently, simulating real-world robotics applications.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Course Infosheet coming soon!
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“Summer Springboard was such a great time and I believe I have met some lifelong friends here. I really got to know the career path I want to pursue.”
– Sophia W. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Robotics
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Bo Liu is a Professor in the BioResource & Agricultural Engineering Department.He specializes in mechatronics, robotics, and automation, applying these technologies to address challenges in agriculture. Dr. Liu teaches courses that prepare students for the future of agricultural innovation, including agricultural robotics and automation.
His research focuses on AI and mechatronics applications in precision agriculture, advancing technologies such as crop disease detection, hyperspectral imaging, and smart farming systems. Dr. Liu’s work has attracted significant funding from many agencies, including the USDA, NSF, and leading industry partners, enabling projects that enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity.
DR. BO LIU
“The Summer Springboard program is a great chance to learn more about different fields of education and the college experience, while also meeting new people.”
– E. Watanabe | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Robotics
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 2: July 19 – July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,298 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: San Luis Obispo |
| State: California |
| Campus: Cal Poly SLO |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly, UW Foster and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.