Camp LearnAI

From Python to Robotics: My Week at UNT’s Camp Learn AI

During the summer of 2025, I attended a one-week camp at my local university, the University of North Texas (UNT). I first heard about Camp Learn AI in a WhatsApp group, and after researching the program and its lead instructor, Dr. Robin Pottathuparambil, I decided to sign up. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to explore the field of artificial intelligence and see if it was a career path I wanted to pursue.

Building the Fundamentals: Computers and Python

On the first day, we arrived at the UNT campus, received our ID badges, and headed to the classroom. Dr. Pottathuparambil kicked off the camp by grounding us in computer fundamentals—explaining different types of computers and their core functions.

From there, we transitioned into learning Python, a beginner-friendly programming language crucial for AI development. For the first two days, our schedule focused on:

• Reviewing computer architecture basics.

• Practicing fundamental programming concepts.

• Writing and executing hands-on Python exercises.

Hardware Meets AI: The K210 Developer Board

Once we were comfortable with Python basics, we moved on to hardware integration using the K210 Developer Board by Yahboom.

By connecting the board to our computers via USB, we used Python to control its built-in components. Over the next two days, we completed several projects, including:

• Printing custom text onto the board's LCD screen.

• Controlling the onboard LED to flash different colors.

• Utilizing pre-trained AI models on the board to perform real-time object recognition through its camera.

Hands-On with the XGO Robotic Dog

Toward the end of the week, we received our final hardware challenge: programming the XGO Robotic Dog.

This quadripedal robot features 12 degrees of freedom, an LED display, and a claw for manipulating objects. For this unit, we switched to block-based programming via a dedicated app. We programmed the robot to complete a series of complex tasks, such as:

• Navigating specific movement paths and walking sideways.

• Detecting and avoiding obstacles.

• Identifying, picking up, and dropping objects into designated target areas.

Industry Insights and Final Presentations

On our final day, we met with an industry professional from Aires, a global mobility company in Dallas. He shared how his team builds and integrates AI solutions into real-world business workflows.

To cap off the camp, we split into groups of five to research and present on various AI careers—such as AI engineering and data science. After the presentations, we received our certificates of completion.

Looking Ahead

Camp Learn AI was an eye-opening experience that significantly deepened my understanding of technology and computer science. It gave me a clear picture of what a career in this space looks like, and it inspired me to consider pursuing AI applications in the medical field—such as robotic-assisted surgery.