Introduction to Physical Computing – Programming a Raspberry Pi Pico in Python

**Introduction**
Microcontrollers are low cost, programmable integrated circuits that can read sensors and actuate (control) devices (see [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcontroller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcontroller)) . They are widely used in remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys, and home automation. Medminder has a smart pill dispenser with compartments that open at the proper time for prescriptions to be taken. https://www.medminder.com/. Other gadgets include sensors for environmental activism and wearable health trackers. Writing programs that read sensors (push buttons, motion sensors, or temperature sensors) and actuate devices (turn a light on, start a motor, open a compartment, or send a radio signal) is called physical computing.

The Raspberry Pi Pico is a powerful, low cost microcontroller introduced in January 2021. It can be programmed in C, C++, or Python. Many hobbyists find Python easier write and find slower execution rate is acceptable.
This tutorial describes how to start running Python on a Raspberry Pi Pico. The first code is to blink a light (an LED). This is the “Hello World” program for physical computing. Subsequent steps include how to detect when a button is pushed and controlling an LED with a sensor. The tutorial ends with a prototype device that will turn a light on for a few minutes after a button is pushed. This could be used to light a dark corner. This may satisfy your curiosity about microcontrollers and physical computing. You might be interested in continuing and learn about robotics, remotely monitoring temperature, or home automation.

**Program Overview**
We will reserve at room at First Colony Library (2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, Texas 77579) from 1:00 until 4:00, September 30. Bring your laptop computer. Fort Bend Science will loan everything else you will need (Raspberry Pi Pico, usb cable, electronics breadboard, LED, resistor, push button, instructions) and answer questions. You will install software and write simple Python programs. There is space for the first 15 arrivals. We have 8 loaner kits. We can use pair programming if there are mote than 8 participants.