Robotics & Embedded Systems (RES) Program Objectives
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Design and complete robotic and embedded systems solutions that apply to real-world situations and challenges.
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Implement a simple microprocessor using digital logic design.
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Demonstrate embedded system design skills, including, but not limited to, microcontroller selection, schematic design, printed circuit board layout, design for electromagnetic compatibility and design for manufacturing.
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Apply knowledge of transducers, actuators and simultaneous hardware and software development in the design of an embedded system.
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Design and analyze real-time embedded systems, including advanced digital logic design, signal processing and highspeed digital systems.
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Implement and evaluate algorithms and methods enabling autonomy in a mobile robot.
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Objective 1: Design and complete robotic and embedded systems solutions that apply to real-world situations and challenges.
Understanding the principles and practices of embedded systems was integral to the RES program.
Nicotine Rugpull (SIP)
Here, the seamless interplay between the Arduino Uno and game mechanics underlined my grasp on embedded system principles. The real-time response of the vaping mechanism based on game progression truly demonstrated the integration of software with hardware.
This project applies to a real-world challenge, the addiction to nicotine. By using two vaporizer coils to gradually wean users off a nicotine-containing liquid onto a zero-nicotine liquid, this project provides an embedded system solution to this global health issue.
Servo Control Project
In controlling the servo motor based on button inputs, this project not only illustrated my grasp on embedded system principles but also demonstrated how user interactions can drive real-time hardware responses.
The project directly relates to the control of a servo motor, which is widely used in real-world applications such as robotics, aviation, and various automation systems. By creating a control system for a servo motor with precise position control, I have designed an embedded solution to a realistic challenge.
Objective 2: Implement a simple microprocessor using digital logic design.
This objective was all about the microprocessor, the digital heart of robotics.
Robot Behavior Project
By interfacing the ultrasonic sensor with the motor, I not only programmed the microcontroller but also applied digital logic. The robot's autonomous adjustments in real-time were exemplary of this objective.
In this project, I aimed to design a mobile robot platform primarily focused on software and electrical systems due to hardware limitations. In Phase 1, I programmed the robot to halt its motors when it sensed an obstacle within a set proximity. During Phase 2, I integrated PWM and distance sensors, ensuring the robot reduced its speed as it approached an object. In Phase 3, I advanced the sensing system so that the robot would reverse and turn away upon detecting an obstacle.
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4-Bit Binary Adder / Full Adder Project
Here, my digital logic skills were at the forefront. The design and successful operation of the binary adder encapsulated the heart of microcontroller programming.
This project demonstrates the understanding of digital logic design principles. A 4-bit binary adder is a fundamental element in an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), which is part of a microprocessor. Therefore, understanding how to design a binary adder is a stepping stone to understanding microprocessor design.
Objective 3: Demonstrate embedded system design skills, including, but not limited to, microcontroller selection, schematic design, printed circuit board layout, design for electromagnetic compatibility and design for manufacturing.
It's not just about making it work, but designing it right.
Nicotine Rugpull (SIP)
The success of this project lay in the design phase. By carefully selecting and interfacing the microcontroller with driving circuits, I illustrated the nuances of embedded system design.
This project demonstrates embedded system design skills by carefully designing the circuit layout, and integrating the driving circuits for the vaporizing coils into digital control logic.
Driving Motors Project
The DC motor, in itself, is a simple component. Yet, designing an algorithm to control its speed, coupled with the careful selection of hardware components, schematic design, and assembly demonstrates that the project meets this objective.
Objective 4: Apply knowledge of transducers, actuators and simultaneous hardware and software development in the design of an embedded system.
This objective celebrated the marriage of hardware and software.
Robot Behavior Project
The standout here wasn't just the robot's behavior but the underlying design. The software translated sensor data, and the hardware (motors) responded. This co-design showcased a robot's adaptability.
In this project, I've used an ultrasonic distance sensor, a transducer that converts ultrasonic signals to electrical signals, and motors, which are actuators that convert electrical signals to mechanical movement. The development of this project involved simultaneous hardware (sensor and motor interfacing) and software (Arduino programming) development.
Smart Robot Car Project
Beyond mobility, this project was a testament to the harmony between hardware components and the software that directed them, achieving autonomous navigation.
The ultrasonic distance sensor used in the project acts as a transducer, converting ultrasonic sound signals into electrical signals. The project uses actuators in the form of motors to drive the robot. In terms of simultaneous hardware and software development, the hardware of the robot, including the ultrasonic distance sensor, motors, and other components, are developed alongside software programming for sensor data processing and autonomous navigation.
Objective 5: Design and analyze real-time embedded systems, including advanced digital logic design, signal processing and highspeed digital systems.
Real-time response and intricate design took center stage.
Nicotine Rugpull (SIP)
The essence of real-time embedded systems was achieved by immediately adjusting the vaping experience based on game progress. My implementation of pulse width modulation for controlling the voltage to the coils was an intricate design decision to meet this objective, and demonstrates digital logic design.
(Links for this project are under Objective 1)
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Robot Behavior Project
Every microsecond mattered. The continuous processing of sensor data, combined with real-time responses, illustrated the intricacies of designing real-time embedded systems.
This project involves designing a real-time system that reacts to sensor input (distance to an obstacle) in real time. It involves simple signal processing - the raw sensor data is processed to control the speed of the robot.
Objective 6: Implement and evaluate algorithms and methods enabling autonomy in a mobile robot.
Autonomy is the future, so let's embrace it!
Robot Behavior Project
It wasn't just a moving robot. My implementation of algorithms transformed a machine into an entity that 'sensed' and 'reacted' autonomously to obstacles, achieving true autonomy.
In this project, I implemented algorithms to enable the robot to autonomously adjust its speed and direction based on sensor input. The robot slows down as it approaches an obstacle, and reverses and turns away when the obstacle gets too close. By testing the robot in various scenarios, I evaluated the performance of these algorithms.
Smart Robot Car Project
Navigation wasn't pre-determined. By harnessing sensor data and algorithms, I enabled the robot to make real-time decisions, navigate, and adapt.
The project meets this objective fully by implementing algorithms for autonomous navigation using sensor data. These algorithms could include methods for obstacle detection, path planning, and control of the robot's motors. The effectiveness of these algorithms can be evaluated by testing the robot in various environments and making adjustments as needed.