Robotics

1
Robotics

• Introduction to Lego Mindstorms
• Build basic robot
• Write download program
• Homework postings

2
Lego Mindstorm NXT

• Create program using drag-and-drop of blocks
• Iconic form of programming
• Each icon/block has its own set of settings
  (parameters) and (possibly) data links to be set
• Add comments. File/Save As (save)
• Then download program to NXT brick
• Compile and download. Any syntactic errors will
  be caught.
• Missing data link
• Failure if lack of space on the NXT brick
• Will need to be conscious of space

3
Move block initial setting Motors B C 75
power 1 Rotation Brake after 1 rotation (not
coast)
4
Important fact

• You (the builder of the robot) must make sure
  that motor B and motor C do what you want. This
  depends on
• Where/how you build
• What port
• External conditions
• The program doesnt know anything. It just sends
  a signal to a port.

5
Direction now set to curve Power at 25 5
seconds Coast after 5 seconds
6
How

• Do you get robot to travel specific distance?
• Use trial-and-error to set time or rotations
• Use feedback keep computer connected to NXT and
  monitor rotations
• Next class!

7
Data links input output
Feedback information
8
Sound block built-in sounds capability for
individual tones sound files WARNING sound
files are big.
9
Build

• Basic robot
• NXT brick serves as main chassis
• Carried around by wheels operated by 2 motors
• Attached to appropriate ports
• Will add
• Grabber
• Sensors
• More programs

10
Todays challenge

• Build basic robot
• Program to
• Go forward,
• Say Have a nice day ,
• Turn around in a curve
• Go back

11
Program has been saved on computer File/Save
Used comment writer to document action
Program consists of Move block Sound block Move
block (turning) Move block
12
Go!

• Use directions in the kit.
• Page 8 to 22 which is
• Steps 1 to 17
• NOTE step 14 putting in batteries has already
  been done
• These kits use Lithium battery, which needs to be
  charged up.
• Turn on and try demo program
• Write program and download
• DONT MIX PARTS.
• Be careful especially with small pieces
• DONT LOSE PARTS.
• Need to be careful that cables are not in the
  way!
• Make haste slowly.

13
Team work

• For this activity everyone should be aware of
  all details.
• Take turns.
• Dont assume you cant do anything.
• For bigger projects, there may be specialists.