Getting Started

Welcome to the Hands-On Lab Activites for Exploring Robotics with Electronics: An Introduction to Electronics with Boe-Bot. These labs require the Boe-Bot Robot kit and the text, “Robotics with the Boe-Bot”, Version 3 by Andy Lindsay, from Parallax (book included as links). 

These activities were developed for high school students and adults who want to build a personal robot and learn about programming and electronics. The videos describe the book chapters and activities, demonstrate assembly techniques, and provide background information about electronics to make it easier to understand the text.

Observation worksheets provide an easy method of completing the book activities and projects to share with an instructor or others.

Outcomes:
By the time students complete this section they will be able to:
  • Explain how robots are used in industry, science, medicine, and other applications.
  • Define a robot and the three laws of robots.
  • Use Sketchy labs – the activity guide and online Portfolio tool
  • Start the Simulator software and view a model in 3D
  • Use technology: Operate the 3D software tools to pan, rotate, and zoom a 3D model
  • Take a screen shot and include the screen shot in the observations
  • Communicate with technology: Upload your observations to the online Portfolio tool and share the link
In this activity you will view some introductory videos, and become familiar with the learning environment. You will view a simulation and learn how to operate the simulator software. You will also answer some questions to demonstrate that you know how to use the simulation software and the Portfolio tool and post your answers online.

 

Assignments:
  1. View the Introduction to Robotics video in the video section below.
  2. Read the Software and Simulation Introduction to find out more about using the software tools.
  3. Follow the instructions below for viewing a 3D model in Sketchy Labs - see Getting Started and Wooden Clock video below and then view the Simulator Activity.
  4. Read the Key Points below (these are answers to most frequent questions).
  5. Answer the questions in the Observations (Word document).
  6. When complete, turn in the Observations Word Doc to your instructor (print, email or other method defined by your instructor). Self-study students can optionally send to a parent, mentor or friend.
Viewing Videos
To view the videos, click on the underlined link.  The videos will open in a new window and display in your Internet Browser or Media Player and are in MPG format.  Use the controls below the video to start, stop, pause, and play the video.  The videos are best viewed full screen. Click the X to the far right in the player bar below the video to display the video full screen, and press the ESC key to return to regular viewing size.

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Videos and Simulations

Additional Resources
Key Points or FAQs:

This series of activities has been created to provide a safe environment for learning about robots and how they are controlled, and to build and program your own personal robot.  To get started, you need to become comfortable with this learning environment and with using the software tools that accompany this package.

What is included with this learning package?

The following items are provided (or are accessed online as downloads):

  • These Activity instructions and assignments (with links to videos and other online content)
  • A printed (or PDF) Activity Instruction Guide book
  • Simulator Software Tools (Google Sketchup and Sketchy Physics)
  • Code Assist software

The software was installed when you inserted the CD or downloaded it during setup. (If you are in a computer lab, this may have been done for you by the IT department).

 

How do I get help with the software or the Boe-Bot?

To receive technical assistance with Boe-Bot or with the programming tools, go to http://www.parallax.com
To receive technical assistance with the software listed above that came with this learning package, go to http://www.exploringrobotics.com

What are the Required Parallax Components?

This curriculum is for the Boe-Bot Robot Kit Serial with USB Adapter and Cable from Parallax and the Basic Stamp Editor software which are NOT included with this package, they are purchased separately.

The text, "Robotics with the Boe-Bot", Version 3 from Parallax is included with the package and are linked into these activity pages. A printed copy of the text is also provided with the purchase of Boe-Bot.

What will I be doing with the Boe-Bot?

By completing the Boe-Bot Activities in the chapters, you will:

  • Assemble a personal robot from parts provided in the kit
  • Mount electronic components and wire a circuit board to communicate with a microcontroller chip.
  • Program in Basic Language to control the robot
  • Write programs to communicate with lights and sounds
  • Write programs to receive input from sensors to determine environmental conditions
  • Write programs to control the behavior of the robot based on sensor inputs
  • Write programs to create autonomous movement - follow a line and/or go through a maze without human control
  • (Optionally) Participate in competitions with your robot

When Do I Use the Simulator Software?

In each activity, there is a section called Videos and Simulations. All 3D simulations are included as a link in that section. If there is no link, then there is no simulation for that activity.

When Do I Build the Robot?

Starting with the next activity - Chapter 1, you will begin to build the robot.

Do I have to do all the Assignments?

If you are using this with a course, each instructor decides how the course is configured.

Please review the syllabus for your course and the assignment dates provided. 

Your instructor will specify which Boe-Bot Chapters and activities to complete, the order they are to be completed, and when assignments are due to be turned in.

What If I am working on my own?

If you are working on your own and not as part of a course, we have the following recommendations:

  • Order for completion – Complete Chapters 1 through 5, then skip Chapter 6 and proceed with Chapters 7 and 8, and then go back to Chapter 6.  
  • Getting Assistance - Find a mentor online to work with who will provide assistance when you are stuck.  The online portfolio tool can be used to document your code and include screen shots and video of the Boe-Bot which are helpful in debugging problems.  You can send a link to your mentor.  You may also find it useful to use Skype or other video conferencing tools to communicate.
  • Just Do It . Just like athletics, programming requires practice. Do each activity, follow the book step by step, and complete all the Your Turn sections and the Projects for each chapter .  Don’t just copy and paste the code, read it and figure out what it is doing. Use the help system to look up new commands. The only way to learn programming is to think thru the process, type in the commands, make mistakes, and learn from your mistakes.  Try answering the questions at the end of each chapter to see if you understand the concepts. Then check your answers.
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