1. A Modular and Extendable Robotics Platform for Education Ryan Connaughton and Matthew Modlin University of Notre Dame, James Whitcomb Riley High School ∈

2. Robotics in Education Grabs the attention of students Problem solving challenges Computer Science under-represented in K-12 Great aggregation of many STEM topics... – Mechanics – Electronics – Programming – Mathematics – Scientific Method / Design Process

3. Project Goals Design a robotics platform Incorporate a wide range of STEM concepts Keep the projects exciting to students Modular components Versatile system, capable of many projects Uniform programming interface

4. NDeRC Robotics System (NRS) Combine several key technologies: – Vex Robotics Kit – Nintendo Wii Remote (“wiimote”) – Bluetooth modems

5. Vex Robotics Kits Drawbacks: – Communication – Accurate Positioning System Motors, Wheels, etc Sensors Microcontroller Programmable in C

6. Our Vex Extensions Bluetooth Modem Infrared LED's

7. Overall View of NRS

8. NRS Software: Robot Program Written in C, installed to Vex microcontroller Continuously listens to Bluetooth modem – Decodes and executes instructions Students never have to reprogram robot! – No need to learn C programming

9. NRS Software: Server Program Written in C# Designed Vex Library (VexLib): Function NameDescription InitVex()Initialize Bluetooth Connection addMotor()Install a motor on the robot addBumpSensor()Install a bump sensor on the robot sendMotorCommand()Set a motor to a particular value getPortValue()Get the value of a particular sensor

10. NRS Software: Server Program Built a mapper application using VexLib Uses Wiimote information to track the robot Queries the robot for value of US sensor Uses information to build a map of room Path-plans around detected obstacles Allows user interaction via graphical interface

11. Mapper Application

12. STEM Concepts Basic design principles Computer programming Electric circuits Geometry Path-planning and basic AI Networking Principles

13. In Practice... Allowed students to design their own robots Covered basic circuitry & soldering to install LED's and modems Covered basic programming Completed a “steering wheel” project 08-09 Riley Robotics Club After school, twice per week Eight 9 th grade students

14. Conclusions and Future Work Enthusiasm from students was obvious – Both returning and new members this year Began designing a structured on-line curriculum for after-school club – Walks through basics of C# and NRS – Features two projects: Steering wheel project Modification to the mapper application

15. Thanks! Notre Dame extended Research Community James Whitcomb Riley High School QuarkNet Questions?

16. Cost Vex Kit$200 Programming Cable$50 Ultrasound Sensor$30 BlueSmirf Bluetooth Modem$65 Kensington Bluetooth Modem$30 Wiimote$35 IR LED's, etc$10 Total:$420