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

Our Vex Extensions

Bluetooth Modem

Infrared LED's

Overall View of NRS

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

Mapper Application

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?

Cost

Vex Kit $200

Programming Cable $50

Ultrasound Sensor $30

BlueSmirf Bluetooth Modem $65

Kensington Bluetooth Modem $30

Wiimote $35

IR LED's, etc $10

Total: $420