Team Focus
Robotics as a Common Framework for Engineering:
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Integrated system Mechanical and computational Circuitry to software
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Embedded Systems
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Requires a cross-functional team effort
Inexpensive Robot Platforms:
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Lego Mindstorm (closed architecture)
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Handy Board (open architecture)
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Others
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Overall Goal
Use of inexpensive robotics platforms for:
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Design/development projects in current courses
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Design/development projects in outreach programs
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Cross-disciplinary curriculum
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Cross-disciplinary research issues
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How are the research activities finding their way into teaching?
Research in �Constructionism�
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Pedagogical Theory � Seymour Papert
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Learning happens opportunistically, while we are engaged in purposeful and
meaningful construction
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Related to Piaget�s developmental theory of �constructivism�
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�Tinkering� similar to applying the scientific method
Teaching Advanced Concepts in Current Courses
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Micro-controllers
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Signal processing
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Time and space complexity of programming
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Intelligent agents architecture
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Artificial intelligent programming methods
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Compiler construction
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Operating system development
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Various mechanical engineering concepts
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Integrated systems development
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Design and project planning
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Cross-functional team development
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Current Efforts
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Developing curriculum to integrate into current courses
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Developing projects for outreach programs
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Developing a grant proposal for a cross-disciplinary course with a focus on
cross functional team development
Challenges of a Multidisciplinary Team
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Registration of vocabulary & theories
Modularity of artificial systems reduces this problem
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Finding a common focus
Integrated systems reduces this problem
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Traditional Group Problems
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Team Identity � Team Gelling
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Communication overhead
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Space & Time
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Overcoming these problems
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Official recognition (MPAG Program)
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Resources (MPAG Program)
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Name Recognition
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Dedicated meeting place
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Time credit
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Electronic support for communication
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