Computer Science 444: Embedded / Robotic Programming

Unit 1: Introduction to Robotics

In this unit, you will explore some of the basics of robotics including robotic history and some terminology.

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to

  • define the term robot and provide a brief history of robots and robotics.
  • list the components of a typical robot.
  • continue on with more advanced robotic material.

Readings

Please read the following chapters in the textbook:

  • What Is A Robot? (Chapter 1)
  • Where Do Robots Come From? (Chapter 2)
  • What’s in a Robot? (Chapter 3)

Questions to Ponder

At the end of each chapter in the assigned readings there are questions labelled “Food for Thought.” Please answer these questions as best you can in your weblog, which will become part of your portfolio of competence submitted for marking during this course.

Exercises

Exercises for this unit can be found in the Instructor’s Weblog on the Landing. Please follow along with the exercises and programs using your own Arduino and the SparkFun Inventor’s Kit, and keep a record of your explorations in your own weblog.

Further Readings

At the end of each chapter in the assigned readings you will find a section titled “Looking for More.” While the links and readings mentioned in this section are not assigned, please feel free to examine them if you are interested, or ask questions about them on the Landing.

Bookmark the brief history of the Arduino found on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arduino, and check out the official Arduino home page at http://www.arduino.cc/.

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