User:Medelen8/Robotics Platforms

Robotics projects are well-suited for introduction to engineering courses, as they require multi-disciplinary (electrical, mechanical, software, etc) skills in order to create a functioning robot.

Starting in summer 2013, I have been researching different robotics platforms (both hardware and software) that might be suitable for use in ENES100. There are a large number of platforms currently used in education, industry, and by hobbyists.

As a starting point, I am focusing on hardware platforms that are supported by MATLAB and/or Simulink. Integrating robotics with MATLAB leverages existing institutional knowledge and resources, allows support from a broad online community, and introduces students to a software package they are likely to use in the future. These are the hardware platforms:
 * LEGO Mindstorms: NXT controller + LEGO motors/sensors + LEGO bricks
 * supported by Simulink
 * supported by MATLAB (using Mindstorms NXT Toolbox)
 * Arduino: Arduino UNO controller + MAKE robot kit or DFRobot kit (2WD or 4WD)
 * supported by Simulink
 * supported by MATLAB I/O (from command line)

The following table summarizes the types of hardware/software/operation possibilities, each of which has been investigated for use in ENES100.