Electromechanical Robotic Systems

This course develops a holistic view of an initial competency in engineering design by conceiving, designing, manufacturing, and optimizing robotic systems. Activities include rapid prototyping of electronic/robotic devices using Arduino microcontrollers and different servo motors. The focus is on the design and the implementation of robotic systems. The pedagogy is based on active learning and a balance of lectures and hands-on activities.

IE59000

Credit Hours:

3

Learning Objective:

After successfully completing this course, you should be able to:

  1. Program using robotics and automated processes using Arduino boards and Python
  2. Familiarize yourself with the manufacturing of robotic devices and laboratory equipment to understand the current possibilities in this field
  3. Identify the fundamentals of engineering design and communication between various systems
  4. Create and control robotics systems via Wi-Fi using cellphone applications 

Description:

This course develops a holistic view of an initial competency in engineering design by conceiving, designing, manufacturing, and optimizing robotic systems. Activities include rapid prototyping of electronic/robotic devices using Arduino microcontrollers and different servo motors. The focus is on the design and the implementation of robotic systems. The pedagogy is based on active learning and a balance of lectures and hands-on activities.

Spring 2024 Syllabus

Topics Covered:

 

Week What Topic(s) Will We Explore? What's due at the End of the Week?
Week 1 Introduction to Electronic Microcontrollers
  • Prep1: Introduction to Microcontrollers (Due by Wednesday, 1/10, 11:15pm)
  • Prep 2: Basics of Electronics
Week 2 Basics of Electronics
  • Prep 3: Potentiometers and Joysticks
  • Project 1
Week 3 Potentiometers and Joysticks
  • Prep 4: Understanding Inputs, Functions and Loops
  • Project 2
Week 4 Understanding Inputs, Functions, and Loops
  • Prep 5: Interfacing with External Sensors
  • Project 3
Week 5 Interfacing with External Sensors
  • Prep 6: Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
  • Project 4
Week 6 Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
  • Prep 7: Electric Motors
  • Project 5
Week 7 Electric Motors
  • Prep 8: Wireless communication Between Microcontrollers
  • Project 6
Week 8 Wireless Communication Between Microcontrollers
  • Project 7
Week 9 Midterm Project
  • Midterm Project - Electric Guitar or Pinball Machine
Week 10 Spring Break
  • Prep 9: Augmenting Arduino with Python
Week 11 Augmenting Arduino with Python
  • Prep 10: Computer Vision
  • Project 8
Week 12 Computer Vision
  • Prep 11: Image Identification
  • Project 9
Week 13 Image Identification Using Computer Vision Techniques
  • Prep 12: Image Tracking
  • Project 10
Week 14 Image Tracking
  • Prep 13: Image Classification
  • Project 11
Week 15 Image Classification Using Machine Learning
  • Project 12
Week 16 Autonomous Cyber-Physical System
Week 17 Final Exam Project Final Project

*Schedule and assignments subject to change. Any changes will be posted in the learning management system.

Web Address:

https://purdue.brightspace.com

Web Content:

Course content, announcements, grades, and projects. Every Friday morning, the next week's information will become available, allowing you to prepare for the following week while finishing the work for this week.

Textbooks:

No required textbook for this course. 

Computer Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • Given the practical and hands-on nature of this course (implementing robotic systems) you are required to purchase an appropriate beginner "Arduino board" kit to complete all of the projects in this class. Below is a link to Amazon for an example of a kit that would fit the needs of this course (list price $44.99)
  • Link to Amazon Elegoo "Arduino Board" Starter Kit 
  • Please notify instructor if you do not have the means to purchase the required starter kit for this course.
  • Access to a webcam on a computer of laptop or a phone/tablet camera to record your project submissions and for attending optional office hours (via Zoom)

Optional Software:

  • You are encouraged to sign up for a free, educational account via Tinkercad to prototype and test circuits and code. Throughout the interactive lessons, you'll encounter Tinkercad circuits. You are not required to sign up for this program to engage in it during lessons. Finally, while you are free to use Tinkercad to complete and submit your projects, it may not be possible to complete all of your projects using this program.