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A Modular and Extendable Robotics Platform for Education
Ryan Connaughton and Matthew ModlinUniversity of Notre Dame, James Whitcomb Riley High School
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Robotics in Education
• Grabs the attention of students• Problem solving challenges• Computer Science under-represented in K-12• Great aggregation of many STEM topics...
– Mechanics– Electronics– Programming– Mathematics– Scientific Method / Design Process
Project Goals
• Design a robotics platform• Incorporate a wide range of STEM concepts• Keep the projects exciting to students• Modular components• Versatile system, capable of many projects• Uniform programming interface
NDeRC Robotics System (NRS)
• Combine several key technologies:– Vex Robotics Kit– Nintendo Wii Remote (“wiimote”)– Bluetooth modems
Vex Robotics Kits
• Drawbacks:– Communication– Accurate Positioning System
• Motors, Wheels, etc• Sensors• Microcontroller• Programmable in C
NRS Software: Robot Program
• Written in C, installed to Vex microcontroller• Continuously listens to Bluetooth modem
– Decodes and executes instructions• Students never have to reprogram robot!
– No need to learn C programming
NRS Software: Server Program
• Written in C#• Designed Vex Library (VexLib):
Function Name Description
InitVex() Initialize Bluetooth Connection
addMotor() Install a motor on the robot
addBumpSensor() Install a bump sensor on the robot
sendMotorCommand() Set a motor to a particular value
getPortValue() Get the value of a particular sensor
NRS Software: Server Program
• Built a mapper application using VexLib• Uses Wiimote information to track the robot• Queries the robot for value of US sensor• Uses information to build a map of room• Path-plans around detected obstacles• Allows user interaction via graphical interface
STEM Concepts
• Basic design principles• Computer programming• Electric circuits• Geometry• Path-planning and basic AI• Networking Principles
In Practice...
• Allowed students to design their own robots• Covered basic circuitry & soldering to install
LED's and modems• Covered basic programming• Completed a “steering wheel” project
• 08-09 Riley Robotics Club• After school, twice per week• Eight 9th grade students
Conclusions and Future Work
• Enthusiasm from students was obvious– Both returning and new members this year
• Began designing a structured on-line curriculum for after-school club– Walks through basics of C# and NRS– Features two projects:•Steering wheel project•Modification to the mapper application
Thanks!
• Notre Dame extended Research Community• James Whitcomb Riley High School• QuarkNet
Questions?