Robot Levels

In this eLearning Platform you can find courses for the assembly of educational robots according to the following features:

  1. Mechanical design taking into account: the complexity, modularity, the learning outcome from process of design, manufacturing and assembly of the robot.

  2. Used control hardware: the platform, possible expansion of platform.

  3. Programming environment.

  4. The possibility to build variants using the same basic platform - expandability.

These characteristics are included in the MER courses developed on this eLearning platform. In this way, we work on the basis of a robot as an educational platform that, in summary, could be stated as: Developing a platform that allows a gradual increase in complexity both in the design and in the functional capacities through 3 levels.

  • In first level the mechanical design, manufacturing, and interfaces with peripherals with basic motion functions are of main concern.

  • In the second level the interplay of sensing, motion, and simple manipulation to realize complex motion and active interaction with environment.

  • Finally, in the third level the advanced sensing and elementary level of machine learning is expected. Some level of the „personalization“ of the robot by having a special shape or logo may add to the attractiveness of the solution.

Level 1

  • basic hardware: motors, sensors, power, …

  • control hardware: structure, functions, interfaces

  • programming tools: programmability
    • user interface
    • libraries used/drivers…

  • basic interfaces: ON/OFF interface: sensors, commands
    • analog interfaces: sensors, motors
    • PWM interfaces: sensors, motors

  • motion: straight, turns, variable speed

  • conditional motion: relationship of sensors and motion
    • obstacle detection
    • edge detection

  • motion modification: command from input device
    • obstacle avoidance
    • line following
    • edge detection/avoidance

  • error handling: error recovery

Level 2:

  • advanced sensors: color, distance, temperature, image?, GPS ?..
    • information synthesis from basic sensors
    • odometry, distance …

  • basic algorithms: positioning, setting boundaries,
    • motion to target,
    • conditional movement
    • speed control
    • simple maze

  • user interface: user interaction - keyboard
    • joystick or other input device
    • remote access

  • programming tools: programming tools/error handling
    • user interface
    • libraries used/drivers…

Level 3:

  • advanced sensors: image?, GPS ?
    • information synthesis from basic sensors
    • odometry, distance …

  • advanced algorithms: navigation
    • autonomous navigation
    • mapping (2D path)
    • maze solving
    • dynamic control algorithms

  • predefined problems: autonomous navigation

  • user interface: remote/wireless/network access

  • programming tools: advanced programming tools/error handling
    • user interface
    • libraries used/drivers…

  • simulation tools: virtual robot ready to run in selected free
    • open source robotic environment

EDUCATIONAL MER ROBOT DEVELOPMENT. Main features:

Phase 1:

  • basic hardware with wheels, motors, battery

  • omnidirectional movement

  • spin turn

  • pivot turn

  • obstacle detection/avoidance

  • line follower

  • edge detection/avoidance

Phase 2:

  • color line follower

  • edge detection/avoidance with adjustable threshold

  • working boundaries

  • dynamic speed control

  • robotic arm upgrade

  • remote control

  • user feedback/interaction


Phase 3:

  • autonomous navigation

  • maze solving

  • 2D path mapping

  • autonomous at other predefined applications

MER ROBOT ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES:

  • Different tasks/functions/capabilities available
    • according to robot construction/design (ie. movement type etc.)
    • according to software used
    • mode selection

  • Environmental sensing
    • sensor types
    • sensor capabilities

  • Design
    • size
    • weight
    • visual appearance

  • Upgrade options
    • hardware
    • software

  • Programmability/user interface/libraries used
    • novice
    • easy
    • hard
    • complex

  • Control process
    • static
    • dynamic

  • Error indication/debugging
    • local
    • remote

  • User interaction/feedback
    • local
    • remote

  • Remote control option
    • none
    • wired
    • wireless

  • Components/materials used
    • price
    • availability
    • accessibility
    • safety

  • Review
    • design
    • feasibility
    • educational
    • safety


Last modified: Wednesday, 25 November 2020, 4:07 PM