It's been exactly one day since I stood on that stage at PYCON APAC 2025, microphone in hand, demonstrating how a few lines of Python code could bring mechanical components to life. As I reflect on that memorable day of March 1, 2025, I'm still riding the wave of inspiration that comes from connecting with hundreds of curious minds unified by a shared passion for Python and its limitless applications.
The Road to PYCON APAC 2025
My journey to becoming a presenter at PYCON APAC didn't happen overnight. For years, I've been fascinated by the intersection of software and hardware – that magical space where lines of code translate into physical movement. My background in education and technology always pushed me to find accessible ways to introduce complex concepts to newcomers. Python, with its readable syntax and gentle learning curve, became my language of choice for bridging this gap.
When the call for presentations for PYCON APAC 2025 opened six months ago, I knew immediately what I wanted to share. The democratization of robotics through Python has been a revolution quietly unfolding in classrooms, makerspaces, and bedrooms of curious tinkerers worldwide. Yet many still perceive robotics as an exclusive domain requiring expensive equipment and specialized knowledge.
My proposal, "Python-Powered Robotics: From Basic Circuits to Intelligent Systems," aimed to shatter that perception. I wanted to show that with a $4 microcontroller, a few servo motors, and Python's elegance, anyone could take their first steps into the world of physical computing.
The months leading up to the conference were filled with preparation – refining my demonstrations, simplifying explanations without losing technical accuracy, and anticipating questions from both novices and experts. I tested my code on different platforms, documented edge cases, and practiced explaining complex concepts in accessible language.
The Dawn of PYCON APAC
The morning of March 1st arrived with that unique mixture of nervousness and excitement that all presenters know well. The conference venue buzzed with energy as attendees from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered to celebrate Python's versatility and power. The hallways echoed with conversations in multiple languages, unified by the common vocabulary of Python.
I arrived early to set up my demonstration. Three servo motors, a Raspberry Pi Pico, and a small breadboard – a humble setup that belied the educational potential it represented. As I connected the final wires, I couldn't help but smile at the thought that these same components could be in classrooms across the region in the coming months, opening new doors for young learners.
Taking the Stage
My session was scheduled for the afternoon in one of the smaller rooms – ideal for the interactive demonstration I had planned. As the previous session ended, attendees began filing in. I was surprised and touched to see many young faces among them – high school students wearing their school uniforms, undergraduates with laptops covered in stickers, and young professionals taking their first steps into the world of physical computing.
The room filled quickly, and soon it was standing room only. I took a deep breath, checked my demonstration one final time, and took the stage as the moderator introduced me.
"Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to 'Python-Powered Robotics: From Basic Circuits to Intelligent Systems.' My name is Florens, and today we're going to explore how Python is revolutionizing access to robotics and physical computing..."
The nervousness melted away as I settled into the presentation. I began with a brief overview of the traditional barriers to entry in robotics – complex languages, expensive hardware, and steep learning curves – and how Python and affordable microcontrollers were changing that equation.
The Demo: Bringing Code to Life
The highlight of my presentation was the live demonstration. On the projector, I displayed the Python code that would control three servo motors simultaneously. The code was deliberately simple – just about 40 lines – yet powerful enough to create coordinated, precise movements:
I walked through the code line by line, explaining:
The imports: How CircuitPython's libraries make hardware control intuitive
The LED setup: Using the onboard LED as a visual indicator
The PWM setup: Configuring three PWM channels at 50Hz for standard servo control
The angle conversion function: Translating human-understandable degrees to the precise signals servos need
The main loop: Creating smooth, continuous motion with Python's range loops
As I ran the code, a wave of excitement rippled through the room. The three servos began their synchronized dance, smoothly sweeping from 0 to 180 degrees and back. The onboard LED flashed to mark key positions, creating a visual connection between the code execution and physical movement.
"What you're seeing," I explained, "is the magic of abstraction. We're not writing low-level code to manipulate timer registers or calculate precise pulse timings. Instead, we're thinking in terms of angles – a concept we all understand – and Python is handling the complex translation to electrical signals."
Q&A: Where the Real Learning Happens
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