Girls’ Robotics Camp Spring 2011

Welcome!

• What are we learning?– Robotics– Application of Robotics– Programming– Out-of-the-box Thinking

• Let’s have Fun!

• Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Robotics Intro

What is a Robot?

How about this?

Or this?

Or what about this?

The answer: they are all robots

What is a robot?

• Definition: Machine that works automatically.o Completes as task a

human has instructed it to do.

o can perform tasks on its own, or with guidance

• 90% of all Robotics are used in toys.

Robotic History• Fact or fiction.

o First in our imaginations. Leonardo's robot knight

o Human like.o Fantastic in nature.

• First modern robots where not human like.o Mechanical arms wielding

grippers, paint sprayers, and welding torches.

• Not very exciting:o 13th Century robotic musicians.

Ibn al-Razzaz Al-Jazari.o Make extremely accurate

clocks.

Why do we build robots?

We use robots to…

• Save money

• Save manpower

• Save lives

• Keep humans out of dangerous situations

What are robots used for in real life?

Robotic Arm: Car builder

Military: Bomb diffuser

Hobby: Robot Soccer

Robotic Exoskeleton

Before we get started, we would like to show you what these kits can really do.

Your NXT Mindstorm

• Now, please open your kits. Lets have a look at the components. 

NXT Brick

• The main piece to any Mindstorm creation

• Brain for robot• Takes 6 AA batteries

– Runs out quite fast

• Capable of running your robot programs

• Programmable 2 ways:– on the brick– on the computer

The buttons

• Orange button:– On button– Selects options– Accept

• Gray button:– Backs up one layer (go back)– Turns off brick

• Arrow keys– Scrolls through options

Ports

Ultrasonic Sensor

• Allows robot to “see”• Can measure distances

using sound• Can react to movement• x1

Touch Sensor

• Reacts to environment• Senses if robot bumps

into anything• Hole in front to attach

pieces to• x2

Light sensor

• Senses light• Tells the difference

between colors• Lamp• x1

Motor

• Used to add movement to your machine

• Can measure distance and number of rotations

• All of the machines you will build will use this

Connecting to the Computer: USB

This is what you’ll need

Step 1: attach USB cord to Brick

Step 2: Attach USB cord to Computer

Step 3: Load up Software

Step 4: Open tools and click on remote control

Step 5: open connections

Step 6: If connected, it should show up in the Window (yellow)

Step 7: You should now be able to use the keyboard to move the motors