Course Description
Students learn introductory programming that is integrated with traditional engineering theory. The course draws upon from a wide range of fields including electrical engineering, computer science, math and physics to provide a novel approach to ESE education. In the programming component of the course, students learn how to translate a complex problem into a computing solution using programming language called Java. The laboratory component uses the empirical world along with a legged robotic system (EduBot) to illustrate the context in which programming craft subserves disciplinary goals. Critical thinking, creativity, writing, communication, and leadership skills are also emphasized through a series of unique labs.
EduBot Platform
EduBot is a small scale low cost hexapedal robotic research platform whose design is strongly informed by our previous and on-going successful work on legged robotic platforms such as RHex and RiSE. Its modular distributed design employs a high speed real-time communication infrastructure (RiSEBus) providing a common hardware interface for actuators and sensors. This modularity is a key feature allowing easy maintanence and upgrades. The central controller lives on an off-the-shelf CPU card in PC/104 form factor. We use a time-proven software library (RHexLib) for development of control software. EduBot, a modular open platform that is primararily an experimentation tool for a pilot undergradute engineering course (ESE112). It also will soon serve as a common robotic platform for robotic research. For commercial availability of the EduBot platform, please visit
Sandbox Innovations web site.