ESE 141: Introductory Robotics

Fall 2009

Overview

This is a hands-on introduction to robotics. It is a project-oriented course where students build and program a robot, with guidance from class alumni. Friendly competition at the end of semester tests students’ skills. Students will gain electrical lab experience, programming experience, and a guided introduction into the field of robotics. This course is structured so students can work at their own pace.

Professor

Hiro Mukai mukai@wustl.edu

Any questions, contact: ese141@cec.wustl.edu

TAs

Geran Kostecki

Charles Munson

Rubin Baskir

Cost

$40 per group for parts. They cost the school over $100 per group.

Grading

ESE 141 is a one-credit pass/fail course. If you succeed in the course, you will get a grade of Pass. The success criterion for this course is attendance. If you come to class and put forth the effort, you will produce a working robot and pass the course.

Attendance

Since grading is based solely on attendance and effort, you need to come to class. You can miss a maximum of two classes to pass this course. If you will miss more than that due to other commitments, this is not the course for you.

Milestones

Since you work at your own pace, the tasks for this course follow each other sequentially by completion as opposed to by date, as with most other classes. Suggested completion dates are given by session, but again, these are only guidelines.

1. Demonstrate the ability to solder
2. Fabricate a working circuit board
3. Modify a servo motor
4. Build a standard chassis
5. Wire the robot for servos and sensors
6. Make the robot “dance”
7. Write a sensor-based program
8. Write a mini-sumo program for competition

Competition: Date, Location, Time: TBD