Overview

The introductory lectures and chap 2-3 of the eBook provided an overview of embedded systems, digital logic and an intro to the number system. In today’s experiments, students will build, program and test an embedded system for an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) called the ShooterBot. The experiment consists of 4 incremental steps. Each team will have 4 students. Each student will be responsible for building, programming and testing one step which consists of a robot. The final robot is a Shooterbot that can be used to protect a room. In this experiment, the Shooterbot moves, and once it detects an object within a specific distance, it flashes a light. It then outputs a message asking the target to move. If the target has not moved after a certain amount of time, it shoots balls. This is a robot that can be built to protect a room.

Fig 1 from lecture 1 and 2 above shows an embedded system. In today’s experiments, after building the robot, students will program the microcontroller and the I/O interface. The microcontroller will then interact with electrical, mechanical and optical devices so that the UAV will accomplish the specific task of protecting the room.

Objectives:Students will

• Learn how embedded systems such as the Lego Mindstorm NXT2.0 interacts with the external world environment to accomplish a specific task.
• Learn how to program the 32-bit microcontroller using “drag and drop” graphical programming.
• Learn to build an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) /robot.
• Learn I/O port interfacing concept.
• Be acquainted with the concept of programming embedded system based on building blocks such as movement, ultrasonic sensor, color lamp, sound, condition, loop, wait.
• Build a robot (embedded system) that will act based on various digital logic inputs from color sensor, infrared sensor, and counter.
• Be exposed to the concept of digital logic design with timer, counter, conditions, and loop.
• Develop an ability to function as part of the team.
• Student will develop an ability to identify, analyze, and solve technical problem associated with digital systems design and implementation.
• Students will develop an ability to communicate effectively.

Report: Each student will write their own report about the step they built, programmed, and tested. The report must include pictures of the working prototype and programming screenshots. Report must be accompanied by a grading sheet and a check out sheet. The report is due the week of September 17 at the beginning of the Lab.

PRE-LAB ASSIGNMENT: Read the following Lego Mindstorms User Guide and the procedure.

Procedure: Open the Lego Mindstorm software and run the two tutorials about (3min). Then, go to the RoboCenter, select Vehicles, Shooterbot. Complete step 1 through 4 making sure to get the TA signature on your check-out sheet. Follow the instructions, to build, program and test your robot. Completion time is about 1h30min. Upon completion, demo the Shooterbot and store the parts back into the box. Clean up your station.

cover sheet

1:Objective

This lab experiment is an opportunity for you to discover how the material you are learning in class can be applied in a real-world, practical application. In your own words, write an explanation of the theory behind the experiment as they relate to the current chapter and course objectives.

2:Procedure

In your own words, write an explanation of the procedure behind the experiment.Include as much visual aid as possible such as wiring diagram, screenshots and pictures. The procedure must be detailed enough so that someone else can reproduce the lab.

3.Data &Results

Show how results were verified.If any data was collected, list here.Add any visual information that can enhance the quality of your report.

4.Discussion

You and your partners have had the opportunity to work through, by trial and error, each step of the lab experiment. Include an explanation of the errors made and what was done to fix them. Discuss the results of your lab and show how the objectives were met.

5.Conclusion

Summarize the results or your lab and show how the objectives were met.State at least 4 specific outcomes that you were able to achieve during the experiment.

• •You will need to print out 1 copy of this cover sheet off of Blackboard for every lab report.
• •You will need to print out a checkout sheet off of Blackboard prior to the lab and have it signed by the TA or Instructor.
• •Screen shots of graphic displays may be included as well as pictures and samples of programs if applicable.
• •Every student is required to fill out their lab report and hand in a hardcopy by the due date. You can and should work on the experiment with your partners to make sure all your data are matching each other’s but you will still be graded on your own lab report and the personal write-up that YOU give.
• •Proper nouns must be avoided throughout the report.