ENGR 50 Robotics
Woody Knapp
Monterey Peninsula College
Robots in the News air surveillance drone
Eldercare robot
Robots at MPCMPC Team competes in National ROV Competition
2013 Team forming soon
ENGL 38 More or Less Than Human?
Online class studies sci-fi implications of tech
ENGR50 Robotics
Rachel, Tom and Ross, MPC ROV Team Members
From Metropolis to The Matrix, this MPC class investigates classic, historical, popular, and contemporary films, TV, and associated literary works which ask, “What is a human being . . . and what isn’t?” Considerations include representations of utopias and dystopias, computer technologies and networks, artificial intelligence, reproductive technologies, virtual reality, and genetic engineering. The emphasis will be on how formal qualities affect/effect meaning and interpretation.
In this class we use a kit from Parallax, Inc.
• Build circuits
• Write programs
• Draw pictures with bots
• Respond to whiskers
• Respond to light levels
• Use IR LEDs in navigation
• Maze competition or [other?]
NO PURCHASE NECESSARYBut if you want:(optional) Parallax Boe-Bot Full Kit, cost $149
Group discount rates may be available—let me know if you plan to buy one
Order online: http://www.parallaxinc.com/Or call: 1-888-512-1024
You do need: A thumb drive (or DropBox acct) for shuttling programs
Robotics Tool Kit• PC for writing and downloading programs• "Brain" or Microcontroller • (BASIC Stamp, Lego Mindstorms, PIC, Arduino)• Programming interface (serial cable, infrared (LEGO),
wireless)• "Skeleton" or chassis, arms• "Muscles" or wheels, motors, relays • Energy source—batteries• Sensors:
– Speaker, Bumper switch, Photoresistor, Infrared headlights
What's a Microcontroller?
• An ultra minimal computer chip that normally performs a single set of tasks in an embedded system (automatic doors, airplane avionics)
• Unlike PCs, microcontrollers have special ports to enable simple interfaces with the outside world (input/output)
• For every PC there are 12-18 microcontrollers in the world
Microcontroller vs. Microprocessor
Progrm Space Long term
Clock "RAM" Storage Cost
PC (Intel Duo) 3 GHz 1GB Hard Drive $350
BASIC Stamp 20MHz 2 KB 2 KB $50
Arduino Uno 16 MHz 32 KB 32 KB $30
Lego RCX 16 MHz 1.2K per prog (up to 5) $100
PIC16F84
An excellent source of detailed information:
The Robot Builders Bonanza, Gordon McComb (RBB)
Microcontrollers Can Teach You About:
• Digital circuits• Use of: resistors, capacitors, LEDs, diodes,
transistors• Cook book circuits are readily available (RBB)• Control theory -- feedback, proportional control• Computer architectures• Test & calibration• Software -- compact notation for expressing
solutions to problems• Learning by Osmosis
Many Academic Fields Related to Robotics
Control Mechanisms Mechanics
SensorsMotion
PlanningPerception
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Lab 0 -- Music Programming
• You can hear your program running!
• Variables
• If statement
• For next loops
• Explore the structure of music and software
Lab 1 Navigation and Drawing
Lab 3 Navigating with Photo Resistors
Lab 4 Infra Red Detectors
Final Design Project
Along the way you’ll also learn about…
Light Emitting Diodes• A type of diode designed to
emit light • Can be visible or IR• 2 V voltage drop• Typically draws 20 mA (0.020 A)• Schematic Symbol…
How to Read a Circuit Schematic
3
6V 6 6
i1 i2
IT
How to build Circuits on Breadboard
Vin (6 V)
Vss (Ground)
Today, a brief trip to Mars
• We check out kits– Grab a kit– Run Stamp software on PC– Plug in serial cable– Power up bot– Download MarsRover.bs2 program
• Modify this line to make bot move in a pattern– data "FFFBBLFFRFFQ"
A Simulated Mars Rover
Mars Sequencing Team (You)• Develop sequences to take Rover to visit a rock (or
three) over several Martian days (called “sols”)
• Five tries (1 per “Sol”)• 5 points for hitting a rock• -1 point for each Sol • -3 points for rolling off table!• Your Command Sequence is made of Letters:
FFrBbRFfLlFLFQ
Sequence Key:• f = 2 inches forward• b = 2 inches backward• l = 20 – 30 degrees left• r = 20 – 30 degress right• F = 10 – 12 inches forward• B = 10 – 12 inches backward• L = 80 – 100 degrees left• R = 80 – 100 degrees right
• All measurements are approximate!
The Rules
1. Table is “Mars”2. Measure rock distances3. Design your sequence4. Test at your work area (Earth)5. (no testing on the table!)6. Carry bot to “Mars”7. Start in the landing zone8. Wherever bot stops, place your team’s
postit note. Report score to instructor.9. Take bot back to earth 10. Plan next day’s sequence11. Resume bot at postit note from last sol12. etc
Happy Driving!