Project-Based Learning Example: Controlling an Educational Robotic Arm With Computer Vision

This paper describes a project-based learning case example developed at the University of Lleida, Spain. This proposal was addressed to third-year engineering students and combines knowledge from computer vision and robotic control to complete an automation project task. The learning target was to develop a computer vision system that must detect a small object placed randomly on a target surface and control an educational robotic arm to pick it up and move it to a predefined destination. The educational results of this experience have shown that the development of a practical-learning case based on the combination of computer vision and robotics has increased the motivation of the students and improved the assimilation of theoretical concepts.