Ziggy and Zimbili: Robotic platform for mechatronics learning and research

For about 15 years, ENSIL trains mechatronics engineers. We try to promote project-based learning approach instead of classical lessons when it is possible. For this purpose, we designed a small and very simple, low cost, reliable, robotic platform which can be used by students to work and to understand a lot of mechatronics fundamentals and comprehend their interactions. Two robots, Ziggy and Zimbili, have been built, based on a 32 bits microcontroller, 2 wheels driven by 2 DC motors, a ZigBee communication and a few sensors like IMU and sonar.