Goals of Robots in Education

One of the goals for the Center for Distributed Robotics is to foster the understanding of computer science through the application of robots in the classroom. While the initial trials are being done in robotics related classes, it is the goal of the Center for Distributed Robotics to introduce Computer Science students of all levels to robotics. In many ways the "hands-on" approach associated with robots and the robots interaction with the world can illustrate concepts that may otherwise be hard to understand. The sense of accomplishment when a student completes a task with the robot may also encourage them to stick with an engineering program.

Another goal in terms of education is the development of a reference library of tips and tricks to help beginners and advanced users expand their skills.

Robotics in the Classroom

The initial applications of robotics in the classroom started in Fall of 2002 with the introduction of the PPRK robot to a class of 31 students. In the spring of 2003, the PPRK robot kits were again be used to illustrate concepts related to computer vision, while Pioneer 1 robots were outfitted with webcams and SICK LMS systems for the "Sensing and Estimation" course. These robots have continued to play a role in the courses as described below:

• CSCI 8980: Computational Vision and Robotics

• CSCI 5980, Section 4: Topics in Computer Science: Legged Robotics
• CSCI 8980: Readings in Computational Vision

• CSCI 5551: Introduction to Intelligent Robotic Systems

• CSCI 5552: Sensing and Estimation in Robotics

• CSCI 5551: Introduction to Intelligent Robotic Systems

• CSCI 5980: Sensing and Estimation in Robotics
• CSCI 8980: Readings in Computational Vision

• CSCI 5551: Introduction to Intelligent Robotics

Plans are being developed for future application of the robot kits in courses such as data structures or algorithms where they may be useful in enhancing understanding of as an illustrative lecture or a hands-on assignment.

Robotics Outreach Projects

The Center for Distributed Robotics is involved in a variety of outreach projects in order to promote science and technology education to youth in the surrounding areas.

• Technology Camp

Demos

CSCI 5551 - Robots collecting cans. (112MB mpeg)	CSCI 5551 - Wall following and obstacle avoidance. (15MB mpeg)
CSCI 5511 - Another wall-following, map-making robot. (1.4MB mov)	CSCI 5980 - Pioneer I mapping a hallway. (33.6MB mpeg)
CSCI 8980 - Soccer playing robots. (64MB mpeg)

Class Projects

Many of the classes that make use of the robots require students to do class projects. Here is a sample of the projects that have been developed.

Reference Links

• PPRK Setup Guide (.doc)
• Introduction to the Handyboard (.ppt)
• Loading Firmware on Handyboard (.ppt)