Introductory Robotics Experiment to be Implemented into a Senior Physics Lab

Abstract

Robots are autonomous systems that can sense their environment and achieve a goal by acting on it. The goal of this project is to create an introductory robotics experiment to be used in a MacEwan senior level physics lab. Such a robotics experiment will allow students to carry out basic physics experiments while gaining an understanding of coding/programming and the difficulties that apply to robotics. In this lab, students will have the freedom to display their creative ability through designing an experiment with the Makeblock Ultimate 2.0 10-in-1 kit. I will outline some project ideas and show the results of those experiments, such as testing the limits of the ultrasonic sensor within its claimed errors and testing the effects on an ultrasonic sensor when an object is placed in its periphery. Learning outcomes for students will also be discussed as well as the different ways that students can be assessed for their chosen experiment.

Department: Physical Sciences

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Logan Sibley