This course teaches how to design, build, and program autonomous robots. Topics include robot architecture (e.g., sensors, effectors, processors, and platforms), as well as adaptive behavior (e.g., navigation, machine learning, and evolutionary robotics). A significant portion of the course incorporates hands-on experience with real robots as well as simulators. The second half of the course will involve team-based projects and a final demonstration.
Rationale
We have offered this class as a CS 495 Special Topics in Computer Science
and as a CS 490 Special Projects in Computer Science. It has been popular
with and educational for students. No other course at NMU offers
these topics, and these topics (i.e., embedded systems, situated computing,
real-time systems, adaptive systems, intelligent systems) are important
in industry today.
Course Number
This class is meant for juniors and seniors. CS 370 is an appropriate
number. It is not in use by any other course.
Course Outline
We will teach the topics as described above. Please note that
this course continues to evolve as instructors gain experience teaching it and
as new robotics technologies become available at lower costs.
Anticipated Costs
By utilizing existing robots, parts, and tools in the department's NERL
(Northern Evolutionary Robotics Laboratory), we will avoid costs for new
equipment. We do anticipate a small cost for maintaining the robots during
the course (e.g., replacing rechargeable batteries that no longer re-charge, or
infrared LEDs that burn out). Experience has shown that by using
off-the-shelf, low-end components, we can keep the costs minimal (perhaps
$50-$100 per semester). Historically we have been able to cover these costs with
grants, departmental funds, and industry sponsorship.
We also plan to apply for LTF funds . Covering these
small expenses should not be an undue burden.
Staffing
Faculty are currently available to teach this course.
Equipment and Supplies
We anticipate no additional requirements for this course beyond the
computer laboratories already in existence. In particular, the NERL (robot lab) will
be used for building, modifying, and maintaining the robots, while the larger PC
lab in NSF 1207 will be used for instruction, programming, testing, and
demonstration.
Library and Reading Requirements
We expect no library component.
Effects on Other Departments
We hope this course will be made an elective for the Electronics Tech
program. We will be communicating this to that department. This change
will likely have no effect on other departments.