Robots! - Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science

Abstract

received his PhD in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Wyoming with a research emphasis in image processing in 2004. He received his BS and ME from the University of Utah in 1989 and 1992, respectively. He has worked on a closed loop controller for mechanical ventilation of patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Additionally, he has worked on a servo lung simulator with related control method that was awarded a U.S. patent. He is currently an associate academic professional at the University of Wyoming in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. "Robots! -Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science" Abstract For close to three decades, Wyoming rising sophomore students have had the opportunity to have their first taste of college life while attending the University of Wyoming Summer High School Institute (HSI). For over ten years we have team taught two courses to expose students to computer hardware and software programming techniques. We were challenged to combine the course into a single offering. Our goal was to develop an intensive, hands-on, motivational experience where each student would build, program, and develop the interface between the programming board and the robot hardware. We hoped that along the way the students would learn about different engineering fields, computer science, and also the basics of computer programming and interfacing. The course concluded with a robot competition. Students competed to see which robot could go through an unknown maze without bumping into maze walls in the shortest time. The course objectives included: 1) Take the mystery out of engineering and computing, 2) Show that engineering and computer science is fun and exciting, 3) Demonstrate that engineering is for both women and men, 4) Emphasize hands-on, learn by doing exercises, and 5) Inform students of the excellent educational opportunities at the University of Wyoming. For the course a low cost Dagu Magician robot kit was used. Each student built their own robot. The robot was equipped with infrared sensors and an Arduino UNO R3 processor board. The Arduino processor was specifically designed for use by students without a technical background. They are easy to use and program. Students completed a preand post-course survey to determine their level of understanding in a number of course concepts. A substantial increase in student understanding was noted.

Computer Science

“…Therefore, as a consequence, computer science is a science that has developed very rapidly in the last two decades affecting all areas of human activity, including education, with a variety of curricula and degrees and within different faculties [260]. It generates intensive motivation for forming and socializing it through program development and interfacing various devices and robotics [261], [262].…”

“…In public service using technology, computer science is a science that produces beneficial outcomes, almost always [287]. Either simple or complex, but easy to use: Starting from creating a user-friendly interface [261]. By providing students with the keys to understanding science: data structures, algorithms, and visualization principles [288].…”