Robotics

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of robotics, including mechanical design, sensors, actuators, and control systems. Students will learn how to program robots to perform various tasks, including object detection and manipulation, navigation, and communication. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on experience, and students will have the opportunity to build and program robots using a variety of hardware and software platforms. Robotics involves the application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics principles to the design, construction, and operation of robots. Robotics is a multidisciplinary field that incorporates all four areas of STEM education. Designing and building a robot requires knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, Electrical engineering concepts, Computer science, Mathematics etc. Therefore, robotics is an excellent way to integrate all four areas of STEM education and provide students with a hands-on, practical application of these concepts. Through robotics projects and activities, students can develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, which are essential in STEM fields.

Course Outline:

Introduction to Robotics
Definition and history of robotics
Types of robots and their applications
Basic components of a robot system

Mechanical Design
Robot anatomy and structure
Types of joints and movements
Design principles and considerations

Sensors and Actuators
Sensors for detecting the environment
Actuators for movement and manipulation
Control systems and feedback

Robot Programming
Introduction to programming languages for robotics
Robot control algorithms and programming structures
Simulation and testing of robot programs

Applications of Robotics
Industrial robots and automation
Medical robots and assistive devices
Service robots and their applications

Robot Ethics and Safety
Ethical considerations in the use of robots
Safety standards and regulations for robotics
Human-robot interaction and collaboration

By the end of this course, students will have gained a broad understanding of the field of robotics, as well as practical experience in designing, building, and programming robots for various applications.