Autonomous Robots as a Generic Teaching Tool

An undergraduate bioengineering laboratory course using small autonomous robots has been developed to demonstrate control theory, learning, and behavior. The lab consists of several modules that demonstrate concepts in classical control theory, fuzzy logic, neural network control, and genetic algorithms. The autonomous agents are easy-to-build, inexpensive kit robots. Each robot functions independently in a real-world environment. Students program and retrieve data wirelessly using handheld computers. The hands-on nature of the lab modules engages students in ways that lectures, readings and software simulations cannot. By interacting with these robots, students directly experience the effects of unexpected environmental factors on designs and deviations from software simulations. The robots are easily adapted for use in many different aspects of two-year college and K-12 STEM education. Students are motivated to understand engineering, math and science principles in order to control the robots. Examples of use of the robots and modules by a local community college are presented