electiveHQ

This is a practical design project involving the design, construction and programming of a small autonomous robot, using Arduino controllers and Lego components, along with reports on this work. The module culminates with a competition at the end of the trimester, where each team's robot competes against the others. Covid update January 2021: as it now seems unlikely that large scale lab access will be feasible, this module will pivot more towards using at-home software simulation tools to explore the world of robotics design. Learning objectives include: a) Understanding the principles of good technical design by engaging with a particular design challenge b) Understanding to the software, electronic and electro-mechanical systems used c) Introduction to the computer programming and software engineering needed to control these systems (for instance, in the Wiring language for Arduino, a dialect of C); d) Developing skills in team-based design work involving problem-solving, creative thinking, computer programming and simple electro-mechanical construction; e) Efficacy in technical communication f) Building an appreciation for how inventive technical creativity has been the driving force of ever-improving human well-being This module relies on project-based learning and teamwork. Some of the assessment is based on the performance of the team, with some adjustment for the contribution of individuals to the team. Due to the nature of the learning outcomes and assessment, it is not possible to offer a re-sit opportunity in trimesters where the module is not running.