Classroom Navigation (Skills: Math, Wireless networking, Report writing)

• Create a map of your classroom using software provided with the SR4 and download the map to the robot.
• Run a series of tests on the robot’s accuracy with straight lines and turns, comparing your results with those provided by the manufacturer.
• Do the math to calculate the expected error anticipated in a two-line single-turn path, then test the robot traversing that path ten times (recording the results each time), to prove out your calculations. Analyze the results. What went wrong? How often? What went right? How often? What can be done to improve the robot’s performance? Launch and accomplish those tasks.
• Run similar scientific tests with the triangulator, providing a position verification and correction (if necessary) at each navigation waypoint (node).
• Based on your tests and observations, assess and evaluate the robot’s ability to navigate your classroom with acceptable accuracy. Then (and always), consider what you can do to improve the robot’s navigation accuracy. Once you have attained repeatable success for your robot being able to navigate within the classroom, you (or the next class) are ready to tackle a two-classroom scenario.

Other

1. Add infra-red proximity sensors to the robot to enable it to sense objects in close proximity (6 to 18 inches) in any direction around the robot (Skills: Electronics, science, software, planning, project management and report writing)
2. Add face recognition capability to the robot and employ database software to enable the robot to recognize, and call out the name of, every student she encounters. (Skills: Electronics, vision systems, software, planning, project management and report writing)
3. Call out the name of objects the robot may pass in her travels. (Skills: Electronics, software, planning, project management and report writing)

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