A Modular and Extendable Robotics Platform for Education Ryan Connaughton and Matthew Modlin University of Notre Dame, James Whitcomb Riley High School ∈

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 NameDescription 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 Riley Robotics Club After school, twice per week Eight 9 th 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