In this studio, students will learn beginner to intermediate robotics skills to design autonomous robots that address relevant issues in our local environments. The studio will begin with a series of exercises and readings that provide background on the field of robotics, and help us consider how robots will evolve as a result of new technologies like generative AI. In the first week, students will learn about robot components like servos, motors, cameras, sensors, and signaling in order to build a robot to compete in an autonomous vehicle challenge.

We will be using the field of robotics to problem solve complex ecological challenges. We have created a focus on the following buckets of ecological challenges:

• Soil Erosion & Deforestation
• Waterway Cleanup
• Air Quality Monitoring

Core Skills

Programming : Use python and other languages to program a robot

Hi-Fi Fabrication : 3D printing / laser cutting / working with electronics

Engagement and Persistence : Converting curiosity into focused action, even in the face of challenges

Concept Development : Refining an idea until it becomes a clearly defined project vision

In House Experienced Folks:

• Jade
• Lloyd
• Patrick
• Nico
• Bryson

In House Explorers:

• Bradley
• David
• Lucas
• Bridget
• Coffy
• Victoria

STUDIO FRAMING

FINAL PROJECTS

Movement

Behavior

Application

MOVEMENT

MOVEMENT

Visual theory of behavior. An actor robot (black circle) is programmed to move towards the nearest food (green circle) that it can see, and consume it. Sometimes (A), the nearest green circle is directly visible to the actor, but sometimes (B) the nearest green circle is occluded by an obstacle. When occluded, the actor will move towards the closest visible circle, if any. After watching the actor act in various situations, an observer-AI learns to envision what the actor robot will do in a new, unseen situation (C). The observer’s prediction is delivered as a visualization of the actor robot’s “trajectory smear” (D). This entire reasoning process is done visually, sidestepping the need for symbols, logic, or semantic reasoning.

BEHAVIOR

WEEK 1 : ROBOTICS SKILLBUILDING

Introduction to electronics:

wheels, frame, sensors.

Activity : Braitenberg Vehicles

Reading :

Introduction to XRP: Programming Pico W

Activity : Introduction of Robotics Design Challenge

Reading :

Introduction to 3D Printing

Activity : Making Mechanical Parts

Reading :

WEEK 2 : Skills and Concept Development

Brainstorming

Swarm, Hive, and Monolithic Robots

Opportunity to solve problems in different ways

WEEK 3 : Testing and Feedback

WEEK 4 : Documentation and Review

Pico W

WPI - LIB

3D Printing

Printables.com

PRECEDENTS

Friend 1 is a desktop robot that comforts you with a gentle moving arm. It senses your stress by monitoring your activities, then pat on your hand and say “It will be alright” or “It’s okay”. Friend 1 will also comfort you at random or when it feels you need it the most.