ERAU Computer Engineering Summer Camp 2016 - Wednesday PM

This learning module will allow you to learn more about mobile robots, programming mobile robots, and robot sensors.  It will be done by a combination of videos, lecture, and build activities.

Module #1: Robotics 101

This learning module will teach you about the various types and characteristics of robotic systems used today and proposed for the future.  First, a video driven lecture will show robots in action while Dr. Stansbury discusses each. Next, a discussion of mobile robots (i.e. ground robots that move throughout their environment) will provide greater insight into the elements that make up robotic systems.

  • Presentation
  • Discussion
    • What is a mobile robot?
    • What are the major hardware components of a mobile robot?
    • How are mobile robots used today?  the future?
    • How does software enable robots to perform complex tasks / missions?
  • Demo
    • Programming in Lego NXT - Live Demo - Dr. Stansbury will show off the major elements of the NXT programming environment with an interactive demo
  • Build Activity
    • Construct REM robot
    • Program REM robot
      • Task #1: program your robot so that it drives forward for 3 seconds.
      • Task #2: program your robot so that it pivots on one wheel for 3 seconds.
      • Task #3: program your robot so that it turns in place for 3 seconds.

Module #2: Robot Sensors

This module will teach you about various robot sensors.  You will learn about sensors for health awareness (battery sensors, temperature sensors, etc.), obstacle detection sensors (laser range finders, ultrasonics, etc.), vision sensors, motion sensors, location detection sensors, etc.

  • Presentation
  • Discussion:
    • We will discuss some robotic scenarios and types of sensors to use.
      • Vacuuming robot
      • Tour guide
      • Mars explorer
  • Demo:
    • Programming for Lego NXT Sensors - Live Demo - Dr. Stansbury will discuss the sensors in the Lego NXT kit, and demonstrate some of the capabilities of each sensor and leverage those capabilities in your software.  Control logic such as loops, conditionals, etc. will be presented in the context of precept-based decision making.
  • Build Activity:
    • Add touch sensor to REM bot
    • Add ultrasonic sensor to REM bot
    • Program REM Bot:
      • Task #1: Drive until robot bumps a wall.
      • Task #2: Drive until robot bumps a wall and then turn randomly in another direction.
      • Task #3: Drive until robot sees a wall and then turn away until it no longer sees the wall and then proceed forward.

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