AI401-FA26-TU-NTN-Vinci AI Explorer

Program Description

Course Details: • Name: Vinci AI Explorer • Date: September 14, 2026 – January 24, 2027 • Time: Tuesdays, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM • Location: Newton Classroom • Grades: G4+ • Prerequisite: None Vinci AI Explorer is a 16-week hands-on after-school course that introduces students to Artificial Intelligence through designing, building, and programming an AI Companion Robot. Designed for students in Grade 4 and above, this course combines robotics, computer vision, voice AI, generative AI, and creative design in an engaging project-based learning environment. No prior coding experience is required. As a special launch promotion, the first 20 students to enroll will receive a complimentary AI Companion Robot Kit (valued at $180), giving them everything they need to build, program, and take home their very first AI robot. Unlike traditional coding or robotics classes, Vinci AI Explorer immerses students in real-world AI technologies through a flagship project, enabling them to build an intelligent companion robot while learning the same core concepts behind today's most advanced AI systems. Throughout the course, students will program their own AI Companion Robot using block-based coding, enabling it to move, speak, recognize objects, follow voice commands, display emotions, and interact naturally with people using modern AI technologies. Along the way, they will discover how speech recognition, large language models (LLMs), computer vision, and text-to-speech systems work together to create intelligent robots. Students will also explore basic 3D design and 3D printing to personalize their robot with custom accessories while discovering how AI can generate images and creative content. Through a series of increasingly sophisticated hands-on projects, they will develop computational thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while gaining confidence in designing intelligent systems. By the end of the program, every student will have designed, programmed, and personalized an AI Companion Robot capable of understanding voice commands, recognizing objects through computer vision, and engaging in intelligent conversations powered by generative AI. Students will proudly showcase their completed AI robot, demonstrating real-world artificial intelligence technologies and the knowledge, creativity, and engineering skills they have developed throughout the course. More than just a robotics course, Vinci AI Explorer provides students with an inspiring introduction to the future of AI, preparing them with the technical foundation, creative mindset, and confidence to become the next generation of AI innovators. Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to: Understand the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and intelligent robots. Program an AI robot using beginner-friendly block coding. Control robot movement, displays, sensors, and interactive behaviors. Use voice recognition and speech synthesis to create conversational robots. Explore computer vision through object, color, gesture, and image recognition. Learn how large language models (LLMs) enable intelligent conversations. Generate AI images and customize a robot's personality and appearance. Design simple 3D models and understand the basics of 3D printing. Develop creativity, computational thinking, teamwork, and confidence through hands-on AI projects.