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