INTRODUCTION TO
ROBOTICS AND
MICROCONTROLLERS
Instructors:
Tijjani “TJ” Mohammed and Tarek Abdel-Salam
Module Overview
A general overview of what robots are, and the
essential components embedded within
Relevant examples of microcontroller and robot
applications to help the participants understand
contexts and applications of these technologies
Contextual understanding makes it easier to relate
programming efforts to basic science, math, or
engineering concepts
Student objectives
Upon completion of this module students
should be able to:
Identify and describe key components of
microcontrollers and robots
List typical applications of microcontrollers
Relate number systems and conversions to
applications in robotics
Calibrate the Boe-Bot servos prior to assembly
Assemble and test a robot using Parallax Boe-Bot
kit
Teacher objectives
Upon completion of this module
instructors should be able to:
Prepare a presentation on the fundamentals
of microcontrollers and robotics
Explain to students the basic building blocks
of microcontrollers including the CPU,
memory, and input/output.
Explain number systems and their
usefulness in robotics and computing
Walk students through the process of
constructing and testing a robot
What is a
Microcontroller?
A microcontroller is a kind of miniature computer
that found in all kinds of gizmos
Generally speaking, if a device has buttons
and a digital display, chances are it also
has a programmable microcontroller brain.
Microcontrollers cont.
Microcontrollers are 'single chip'
computers specifically designed
to:
Read input devices, such as buttons and
sensors
Process data or information
Control output devices, such as lights,
displays, motors and speakers
Embedded Control
Microcontrollers are placed in devices, or
embedded, for operation and control.
Can you name other devices in your life
that
have embedded control?
Microprocessor vs.
Microcontroller
A microprocessor is the “brain” of a
computer system
Generally referred to as the central
processing unit (CPU), the microprocessor
by itself is practically useless
To be useful, one must have means of
communicating with it using input and
output devices
One must also add memory (ROM and
RAM) so that the system can be
programmed.
Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller Cont.
A microcontroller is a computer chip
designed for control-oriented applications
Unlike ordinary microprocessors,
microcontrollers have built-in features that
make them operate almost independent of
additional circuitry
This is possible because microcontrollers
contain things like
memory (ROM, EPROM, RAM, etc)
input and output ports
timers
serial and parallel communication capability
analog-to-digital converters
Boe-Bot’s Brain: The BASIC
Stamp
The BASIC Stamp 2 embeds a
microcontroller, the PIC16C57, on a
module to make programming and
use very simple, yet very powerful.
Additional components on the module
provide everything needed to systems
and applications, like robotics.
BASIC Stamp Module
Components
Serial Signal
Conditioning
Conditions voltage
signals between PC serial
connection (+/- 12V) and
BASIC Stamp (5V) for
5V Regulator
Programming.
Regulates voltage
to 5V with a supply of
EEPROM 5.5VDC to 15VDC
Stores the your
PBASIC program. Resonator
Sets the speed at which
instructions are processed.
Interpreter Chip
Reads the BASIC
program from the
EEPROM and executes
the instructions.
So What is a Robot?
A robot is a machine that gathers
information about its environment
(senses) and uses that information
(thinks) to follow instructions to do work
(acts)
The “sensing” part provides input to the robot
through switches, light sensors,
The thinking part is the microcontroller brain
The acting part could be through lights,
motors, actuators, sounds, etc
Robots and Applications
Robots come in many shapes and sizes
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Fundamentals of Electricity
Electric Current (I), measured in amperes (A)
Resistance (R), measured in Ohms (Ω)
Voltage (V), measured in volts (V)
A complete path or circuit is required for
current to flow
R
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Fundamentals of Electricity
Cont.
Robotics requires a basic understanding of electricity
and simple wiring diagrams
The relationship between current, voltage and resistance
is expressed by what is known as Ohm’s Law, variations
of which are expressed below:
V = IR; I = V/R; R = V/I
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+ -
V
Module 1 Activities
1.1 Installing your robot’s Software (PBASIC)
1.2 Identifying key components of the Boe-Bot
System
1.3 Assembling initial Boe-Bot components
1.4 Introduction to breadboarding and circuit
construction
1.5 Testing for communication between the
Boe-Bot and the BASIC stamp editor
1.6 Calibrating the servos
1.7 Assembling the Boe-Bot
Where We’re Heading…
Simple programming to cause Boe-
Bot to perform basic tasks
Adding input and output circuits
Making sounds
Measuring and calculating
Distances
Angles
Speed
Rotation
Simple to Complex
Timing and signal measurements
Working with equations
Observe, measure,
confirm
More Signals
Measurements
Graphical illustration of
concepts
Analyze
different
waveforms
Use Accelerometers to
Measure
Acceleration
Tilt and tilt angle
Incline
Rotation
Vibration
Collision
Gravity
Something for Everyone
STAMP Plot For Data Analyses
Process Control Module for
Advanced Concepts
Sensing and measurements
Signal Conditioning
Data logging
Graphical analyses
Feedback continuous control
Resources
Parallax Educational Resources
http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/edu/ind
What is a Robot?
