Introduction to Robotics

What will I learn if I take this course?

You will learn the electrical theory and concepts necessary to construct basic electronic circuits. You will learn programming using the PBASIC language and software. These programs are loaded into a BASIC Stamp microcontroller and control various circuits. After you learn the foundation of electronics and programming, you will build your very own robot using the hardware components that are included with the course. You will also experiment with a variety of robot configurations and write programs to allow the robot to navigate intelligently and autonomously.

The lessons cover the following topics:

• Programming
• PBASIC Language
• Variables, constants, comments
• Looping keywords
• Conditional keywords
• Subroutines
• Programming style and technique
• Loading programs into the BASIC Stamp
• Electricity and Electronics
• Basic component theory for resistors, LEDs, switches, buzzers, light sensors, capacitors, infrared emitters and detectors.
• Schematics
• Circuit construction
• BASIC Stamp microcontroller
• PC to BASIC Stamp interface
• Robotics
• BOE-BOT robot construction
• Sensors such as touching (whiskers), light following and infrared vision
• Time-based navigation techniques
• Sensor ‘smart’ navigation techniques

  NB:

For more detailed information on the topics covered by this course offering, please download and review the ITR Lesson Plan.
(To view this PDF, you will need to ensure that you have installed the free Acrobat Reader 7.0 or above.)

Who should take the course?

There are three primary audiences who would benefit from this course:

1. Beginner programmers who want to learn their first language before taking the Game Institute C++ courses.
2. Programmers who want to learn basic electronics and how to interface programming and electronics together.
3. The robot enthusiast who wants to build and program their first robot.

What are the prerequisites to understanding the course material?

You should be comfortable managing files on the computer, installing programs, and working with computer hardware. A background in high school Algebra, such as understanding basic equations, variables, functions and the ability to solve basic algebraic equations is recommended. Some patience is required when handling small components and parts.

What materials are necessary to complete the course?

You will need a computer to run the BASIC Stamp Editor program. The computer requires a USB port. A plastic storage bin to separate and store small components is recommended but not necessary. A supply of AA batteries (electronic circuit board uses 4 AA batteries), white poster board and black electrical tape (for robot navigation experiments) are required. Small tools such as needle nose pliers will be useful for bending and manipulating wire and component leads.