Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Mobile RobotsWhy do robots need to move?

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

What defines a robot?

• Sense – a robot has to take in information about its environment

• Plan – a robot has to use that information to make a decision

• Act – a robot needs moving parts to carry out commands

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

What ways do robots move?

• Rotate• Convey• Walk• Swim• Fly• Reach• Bend• Poke• Roll

Snake Robot

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Why go from place to place?

• Transport goods and materials

• Carry messages

• Get there faster

• Do a task while you’re getting there or when you get there

• Collect information about what’s there

• Get away from something

• See if you can!

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Examples of robots

• Automated Material Transport System

• Dragon Runner

• Automated Mowing

• Vehicle Safe Guarding

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

How do rolling robots work?

• Sensors

• Motors

• Wheels

• Programming!

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Main Components of Robotics• Build – Mechanics, Mathematics, Physics

• Program – Building behaviors

• Test – Multiple trials

• Communicate – What did you work on or accomplish? What conclusions did you come to?

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Building

• Gears and axles• Beams and connectors• Motors and wheels• Sensors and wires• NXT programmable brick

We will be using LEGO® piecesto build our robots

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

BuildingLEGO® Mindstorm NXT Pieces

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Building LEGO® NXT Motors and Sensors

Motors

Sound Sensor

Touch Sensor

Light Sensor

Ultrasonic Sensor

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Building LEGO® NXT

Sensor Input Ports

Motor Output Ports

Navigation Buttons

LCD Display Screen

USB connection socket

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Programming Behaviors

• Giving the robot behaviors• Complex behaviors are built from simple ones

The basic behavior… is used in the simple behavior:

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Programming…which is used in the complex

behavior:

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Programming Screen Interface

Programming Area

Properties Area

Blocks

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Programming Screen Interface

Properties Area

Blocks

Program by dragging blocks from the menu on the left

Place them on the grid, and wire them together

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Testing Why do we test?

• Make sure it works!

• Understand what it can do

• Test everything multiple times to determine the repeatability

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Personal Assistant Robot(PAR)PAR)

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

STLP Camp ‘Agenda’

These next 2 days we will• use our PAR with sensors to program basic

operations/behaviors

• run tests on the robot to determine its capabilities

• use combination of basic behaviors to create complicated behaviors

Have Fun!!!!Have Fun!!!!

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Rules of the road

• Keep track of the pieces• Try not to run into anyone’s robot• Please return the pieces to the correct tray• Take turns with programming (one on the

computer, one on the robot), after each pallet, change roles

• Ask questions, don’t be afraid to experiment

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Let’s Get Started

• Every team will be assigned PAR and a USB cable – check your number!

• Learn to program PAR to move in a variety of ways

• Pass a challenge• Then receive whole kit to

move onto sensors

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

Open LEGO NXT 2.0 Programming

Adapted for STLP Camp ‘09

3. Robot Educator Common Palette Activities

2. Software Overview

1. Getting Started