Mobile Robotics I

First semester of a two-semester elective open to students in grades 9-12.
Prerequisites: None, although a language is recommended

Fall

The Mobile Robotics elective uses the NXT robot to demonstrate concepts as they are covered. Topics include microprocessors, locomotion, kinematics, perception, navigation, and sensors. Students will build robots to compete in various contests such as maze navigation, route following, obstacle avoidance, and battle bots. Mobility is provided by servo motors. The robots utilize various sensors such as light, touch, sound and ultrasonic to gather information about the environment. The responses from these sensors are then analyzed by code written by the student that directs the robots to take specified actions to accomplish assigned objectives. The robots are programmed using the powerful LabVIEW software developed by National Instruments Corporation.

Mobile Robotics II

Second semester of a two-semester elective open to students in grades 9-12

Prerequisites: Mobile Robotics I

Spring

More detailed programs will be written using the NXT language covered first semester, to include the use of data wires and variables, arithmetic and logic operators, and the math block.  We will use additional sensors such as the compass, accelerometer, and color. The compass sensor allows for more precise navigation and the accelerometer allows the robot to sense which way is up and when it is tilting, in addition to measuring acceleration. The color sensor gives added capabilities over the light sensor used first semester. It allows the robot to distinguish between a range of bright and pastel colors. Students will learn how to use a cell phone to control actions of the robot. We will also program NXT using easy to learn abbreviated versions of the Java (LeJOS) and the C (NQC) languages, and RobotC software. The course will include an introduction to artificial intelligence approaches used in robotics.