Workshop Schedule
A. Introduction and Exercises
15 minutes An introduction to Lego Robots, the motors, the sensors, and the programming environment, followed by a demo of programming tasks and of the two kinds of robots that are capable of performing the tasks.
50 minutes Exercises with three simple robot programs for students to become familiar with the programming language
B. Projects
30 minutes Project One�This project will require fairly simple tasks. Each team will try their best to complete the project in the time interval.
30 minutes Project Two�This project will require more challenging tasks. Again, the project is timed and the work is to be done in groups.
Roverbot Features
A. Light sensor � this is the robot�s �eye�. It is mounted pointing downward so the robot can distinguish between different surfaces that it passes over. This sensor is connected to input �2�.
B. Right bump sensor � this allows the robot to �feel� when it runs into a wall or other obstacle. This robot is equipped with two of these sensors, allowing it to make better decisions about navigating its environment. The right bump sensor is connected to input�3�.
C. Left bump sensor � see above. This sensor is connected to input �1�.
D. Right track � the tracks are driven independently by two motors. They are geared at a ratio of 1:3, allowing this robot to move slowly but precisely. This track is controlled by output �C�.
E. Left track � see above. �A� controls this track.
F. Program � use to select the program (1-5) you wish to run.
G. Run � use to run or stop the current program.
H. Display � shows the current program or sensor value.
I. View � use to monitor the value of a sensor. For example, the view button can be used to see what values the sensor will read when the robot is on different colored surfaces.
J. On/Off � turns the robot on or off. The robot must be on to receive new programs.
Quick Reference for Using the Programming Environment
Try-out tool Basic Commands
Program Vault Monitor Sensors
Copy Element If/Loop Controls
Save Program Module Creator
Delete Element Save/Download File
To get help on any program elements: Click on this icon, then select the element
Robot Practice
Assignment:
Program your robot to move forward until the light of a flashlight passes over the sensor. When the light shines over the sensor, the robot should make a right turn. In effect, this should allow you to steer the robot.
Hint: Use �View� on the Control Module to get the light value of the flashlight,
this will be the value used in the light sensor box in the coding section.
* This is just for your group to gain experience and get your first feel of how
the programming environment works.
Robot Projects
Project 1:
Program your robot to move forward until it bumps into an object. When it hits something, it should back up, turn slightly in the proper direction (left if the right bumper is touched, right if the left bumper is touched), and resume moving forward.
Hint: Do not try to use both the press AND release functions of the touch sensor
in the programming environment, use the press function only.
Project 2:
Program your robot to follow the black track on the practice mat. The path may be somewhat jerky, but the robot should be able to follow the track continuously around the mat.
Hint: Use the �set direction� button in the programming environment instead of
the �reverse direction.�
Hint: The actions for white and black values (from the light sensor) should
counter one another.