ROBOTICS

Students in the Robotics section will enjoy hands-on learning about the process of building intelligent machines. First, they will be introduced to the Chiara, a sophisticated new educatioal robot designed at Carnegie Mellon. Chiaras are six-legged robots that include computer vision, navigation, and speech synthesis capabilities. They can be controlled using a simple state machine language; prior programming experience is not required. Second, students will learn about the hardware side of robotics by building their own robots from lexan, servo motors, and simple electronics. These robots can either be controlled remotely using standard radio controlled servo hardware, or they can be given autonomous capabilities through some Java programming using the Qwerk platform.

Additional information:Chiaras

Week 1
During the first week, students will learn how to teleoperate the Chiara, and how to write their own state machines to control its behavior. There will be a competition to test their skill as robot operators. The week will conclude with a robot dance contest.

Week 2
Students will learn to use tools, including a scroll saw and drill press, to prepare for robot building. Early assignments will be to build a four-bar linkage and build a remote-controlled wheeled robot.

Week 3
The third week is devoted to sensing. On the hardware side, students will learn the functions of four basic sensors: bump, infrared, sonar and photoresistors. The will experiment with building a small robot that incorporates one or more of these sensors. On the software side, students will be introduced robot vision systems and learn how the Chiara sees the world.

At the conclusion of week 3, students will choose either the software or hardware track to explore in greater depth.

Week 4
Advanced instruction on the Chiara: writing vision algorithms, and experimenting with navigation.

Java Programming: Students interested in building their own robots will learn Java programming so that they can execute basic autonomy tasks such as controlling servo motors and reading sensors with the Qwerk computing platform.

Week 5
Students will propose and begin working on a capstone project that will result in a robot demo that can be shown on the last day of class. Students will work with instructors to acquire specialized skills and equipment that might be required for their projects.

Week 6
During the second to last week of Andrew's Leap, students work on their final projects.

Week 7
At this time, students are wrapping up their final projects. They are debugging their robots and fixing technical difficulties to ensure that all goes well during the final presentation on Friday of the week.

On Friday, parents and families are invited to come spend Final Day at Andrew's Leap. The program includes a lecture by Dr. Steven Rudich, and enjoyable and discussion-rich lunch, and viewing of the final presentations prepared by all our talented Leapers.

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