1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Erin Harris, Graduate Researcher
Ross Mead, Robotics Assistant
Department of Computer Science

2. What is a Computer? Takes input
Keyboard, mouse, camera, microphones
Transforms it through a set of instructions called a “program” (software)
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Creates output
Monitor, speakers

3. What is a Computer?
ALL programs are made up of only 3 kinds of instructions!
Sequential Instructions
Program to make chocolate milk
First put milk in a glass
Next add two tablespoons of Nestle Quick
Stir
Drink
Conditional Instruction
If (you are out of milk)
Then go to the store and buy a gallon of milk
Repetition
While you are still thirsty
Make chocolate milk

4. Artificial Intelligence
Getting computers to do things that humans do
Our Brains are process information like computers
Input: eyes, ears, skin, tongue, nose
Transformation: the brain is our CPU
Output: hands, feet, mouth

5. Robots are Computers with a Body
A mobile robot is a computer with wheels
(or legs or treads or other)

6. What is An Intelligent Robot?
A machine able to extract information from its environment and use knowledge about its world to move safely in a meaningful manner

7. Human Intelligence versus Insect Intelligence
Thinking versus Reacting
People think, insects react

8. Sensing: Feel

9. Sensing: Sight

10. Sensing: Sight

11. Robot Competition 2003
Follow a line
Read symbols

12. Robot Competition 2004
Follow a line
Read symbols

13. Interesting Robots

14. Interesting Robots

15. Anyone can be a Robot Scientist
LEGO Robot Kits

16. Meet Taz The Tour Guide Robot

17. How does Taz figure out where it is?
Has a map in its memory.
Measures how far it travels to get a rough idea of where it is at on the map.
Uses its laser and sonar readings to recognize places on its map to get an exact location.

18. Robot Competitions

19. Balloon Popping Competition
Your robot must stay inside the black square (1 light sensor facing down in the front of your robot)
Pop as many balloons as possible in 2 minutes. (Each team will be given up to 8 pins to attach to their robot)