Robotics

Follow up on problems/tasksAdd ultrasonic sensor

Homework: Maze. Catch up on any exercises. Postings

Problems/tasks

• ?

Dairy farm robotics

• Robots for milking: http://faculty.purchase.edu/jeanine.meyer/robotics/milking.pdf

• Robots for feeding cows: http://faculty.purchase.edu/jeanine.meyer/robotics/calffeeding.pdf

What is the advantage of robots on the farm?

• ?

Possibilities

• Need to compare robots versus ???– Make point that it became easy / easier to hire

people to work with the robots

• Data connection– Possible with people but not as easy– Claim: these systems are better for the cows:

more customization (and more milk)

Something to think about…

• The physical is essential but, given the physical, the data connection appears to be what made the difference.

Ultrasonic sensor

• Ultra means frequency above the range of human hearing– Above 4000HZ and up to around 20000

• Lego sensor limited to up to 10 inches– Can choose centimeters or inches as unit

• Sensor sends out a signal and waits for (and measures) the time until it bounces back

• Multiple sensors can interfere with each other• Hard surfaces give more reliable results than

soft, textured surfaces.

Extra credit opportunity

• Research and explain (not just give a link) the use of ultrasonic sensors for focusing in cameras

• Summarize, explain and give benefits and drawbacks.

Ultrasonic

• Proximity sensor

• No contact needed

• Claimed precision is +/- 3 cm – How much is this in inches????– What does this mean?

Lab work

• Using build instructions in text, add ultrasonic sensor to base robot.

• Use Try me program on robot to test out.

• Do ultrasonic reading program

• Do ‘move until … back up & turn’ program– Is this a possible ‘vacuum the room’ program?

If not, what needs to be added?

Note: numeric reading needs to be converted to text. Otherwise, data links will change to spotted gray and program will not compile.

Lab

• With ultrasound directed to front: move to within 10 inches of wall, back up, turn left.

• With ultrasound directed to front: move to within 10 centimeters of wall, back up, turn left.

Lab/homework

• Combine ultrasonic and touch sensor to do maze– General idea: move ultrasonic sensor to the

side. Follow wall (that, keep wall at X inches). If and when wall is closer, back up, turn left. If and when wall is further, turn right until it is at X inches. ALSO, set bumper. If tribot hits wall, back up, turn right.

Snow plow?

• See http://mindstorms.lego.com/en-us/Community/NXTLog/DisplayProject.aspx?id=c73c036b-86a0-4da4-a443-45da82c26ad4

• I think this moves snow/stuff out of the way, but I'm not sure.

• May provide ideas for your projects.

Homework

• POSTINGS!!!– Everyone must post and everyone must

respond to someone else’s posting.