ENGR 130: Introduction to Robotics
Overview
Engineering 130 provides an introductory study of the fundamentals of mobile robotics and the associated engineering concepts. It prepares students for more advanced studies in robotics and related technologies. Students gain experience with fundamental concepts in robot design, computer aided design and drafting, sensors and actuators, programming, and electronics. The vast majority of the course experience consists of implementation of and experimentation with these skills through hands-on labs.
Course Materials
Lesson 2: Your first function / why gears matter
Lesson 3: Follow that line
Syllabus
Lesson 1: Your first robot
Lesson 4: How far you've come
Lesson 5: Lend a hand
Lesson 6: I can see!
Lecture Slides
Presentation Outline
Course Content
Robotic Applications
Brief overview of different applications for robotics, and technology that is based in robotics concepts that we interact with in everyday life.
Lab: Start assembling your Vex Clawbots.
Intro to Programming
Introduction to programming concepts, such as variables, data types, program structure, and interacting with hardware. Showcase of the Vex Robot C development environment.
Lab: Finish assembling your Vex Clawbots.
Loops & Conditions
If/then statements, for loops, while loops, condition statements and switch statements. Learn how to add some intelligence to your code.
Lab: Clawbot water bottle challenge.
Functions
Overview of modularization of code, including how to use functions to break programs down into small, reusable chunks. Function calls, returns, and arguments are covered.
Lab: Start converting your Clawbot to an Intelli-Clawbot.
State Machines
A more detailed look at how to architect your code. State machines are a fundamental way to program machines that have to operate in various modes, and accomplish different tasks.
Lab: Finish building your Intelli-Clawbots.
Intro to Sensing
Discussion of various types of sensors, how they are different from one another, and what they are used for.
Lab: Intelli-Clawbot challenge.
Analog vs. Digital
Overview of the differences between analog and digital signals, and an introduction to how microcontrollers work with digital signals.
Lab: Analog vs. digital sensor comparison (potentiometers vs. encoders).
Signal Processing
Overview of analog sensors, and basics of analog to digital conversion (ADC).
Lab: Sonar sensor calibration, and write your own spec sheet.
Advanced Sensing
Overview of more complex types of sensors and their uses.
Lab: Start building scanning sonar. Create digital maps of your surroundings.
Engineering Design
Study of industry standard engineering design processes, including brainstorming, failure analysis, scheduling, and iterative design.
Lab: Convert your scanning sonar from classroom prototype to "commercial product."
Intro to Actuators
Overview of actuator types and what types of motion they are used for.
Lab: Work on your final projects. Individual concept sketches.
Actuator Performance
Study of specifying actuator performance, and selecting motors.
Lab: Work on your final projects. Schedule and org charts.
Power Transfer
Overview of different power transfer methods, such as gears, belts, and pulleys.
Lab: Work on your final projects. Team concept sketches.
Friction & Traction
Understanding how friction and traction affect functionality is key to making robots that perform well.
Lab: Work on your final projects. State diagrams.
Engineering Q&A / Open Forum
A chance to ask any questions you may have about engineering, what a career would be like as an engineer or scientist, and general discussion of engineering topics.
Lab: Work on final projects. Schematics.
Demo / Final Presentation
Final project demonstrations (competition) will be held the last week of class. Final project presentations being held the day of the final.
Sample Final Presentation
