CSC-104: Robots Rule!

Course Overview

Learn to control robots before they control you

This introductory Computer Science Course will introduce you to the art of computer programming through interaction with robots. Over the course of the term you will build your own LEGO-based robot and learn to control it in a variety of interesting ways. By the end of the course, the successful student should be able to: Write programs that include scalar variables, arrays, structs, functions, and conditional and iterative control structures in Python; apply debugging strategies to diagnose and correct syntax, logic and run-time errors; apply the input/process/output model to the implementation of robots; design programs using a structured approach that includes algorithms and functional decomposition; discuss the interaction of computer hardware and software as applied to robotics; examine the social and ethical implications of robots

Language & Resources

Like the title says, language info etc.

• Python: https://www.python.org/

In class, you are required to use our lab iMacs. However, when working on your projects outside of class, you have a choice. If you'd like to continue using our iMacs, feel free! We have three spaces that you can use:

• Olin 107 (where we have class)
• Pasta lab (N104 in the Science & Engineering building)
• CS Resource room (Steinmetz Hall, 209A, just down the hall from my office)

Course Text

Example Assignment: Mystery Function

def Scramble(n):
	letter = 3
	pigeons = [2]
	while(len(pigeons) > 0):
		banana = False
		for mango in pigeons:
			if letter%mango == 0:
				banana = True
		if (banana == False):
			pigeons.append(letter) #POINT B

		print '`so far:', pigeons     #POINT A
		letter+=1
	return pigeons

Example Lab: The Sense-Plan-Act Loop

Goals: by the end of this lab you will have:

• written a sense-plan-act loop for your robot
• written some more functions
• learned how to use the ultrasound sensor
• used your robot outside of Wold 118, because it is too hot in there.

0. Prelude: We'll begin with a very informal lecture on the sense-plan-act loop, as well as ultrasound sensors

1. A Basic SPA Loop

• Grab an ultrasonic sensor, if one is available
• Grab a microphone sensor if one is availablean>
• Download SetupRobotWeek6.py, and customize it before transferring it to your robot
• Inside a file called Lab6.py, write a function called RunRobot(), which takes no arguments, and returns no values.  Inside of RunRobot, create an infinite while loop.  The while loop should do three things in order: 
• Sense: read the light sensor values for each light sensor on your robot, binding them to variables
• Plan: using variables representing each motor speed, set your motor speeds proportional to light sensor values such that the will steers TOWARD light. 
• Act: Use SetBothMotors with the motor speed values above, in order to get the robot to do what you want.
• Test your robot in class, or some place cooler.  Show an instructor before proceeding.

2. Bells and Whistles

• Now, in the "Sense" phase, also read any other sensor values that are available to your robot.
• be sure to store each value in a separate variable!
• In the "Plan" Phase your robot should:
• if there is an obstacle, set motor speeds backwards
• otherwise, steer toward the light.
• Test your robot, and show instructor before proceeding.

3. Louder Bells and Whistles

• Now, modify your SPA loop in any of the following ways:
• if it's too loud, move backwards (while still facing the light) instead of forwards
• if an obstacle is too close (according to the ultrasound), turn in place.
• test your robot in the real world, show an instructor.

4. Impress us!