Free lab and robotics Alvo Aabloo Intelligent Materials

Free lab and robotics Alvo Aabloo Intelligent Materials and Systems Lab Institute of Technology Tartu University alvo@ut. ee

Why? • Most of the applications of physics and material science – Multidisciplinary – Engineering is an essential part • Students are motivated if they understand see the outcome of their work is something useful alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 2

Problem • Only few courses involve some practical hands-on activity • Lack of knowhow – Mechanical and electrical engineering – Teamwork and project planning alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 3

How to solve? • Robotics – Multidisciplinary teamwork – Cool – Quick results in some extent alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 4

Plan • Student robotics contest • Small projects from companies • Multidisciplinary science projects involving material science and robotics alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 5

What really happened? • Robotics contest Robotex – since 2001 alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 6

2007 alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 7

2006 alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 8

Free Lab • Lab equipped with electrical and mechanical engineering equipment – 24/7 access for students – No permanent staff at place – Usually individual supervision – Minimal supervison alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 9

Team 2007 alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 10

Art work alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 11

Object oriented programming alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 12

Robotics farm for science center alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 13

Conclusion 1 • Two ways of projects: – Well financed, common project management driven – Selforganized highly-selfmotivated • Result is unexpected but in some cases excellent alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 14

Conclusion 2 • If there is a good tool, people will find how and for what to use it for good purpose – Access to lab – A lot of small projects • Other courses • Diploma, master works • Science bus alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 15

Conclusion 3 • Trust people! – But not let them feel that you do not care alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 16

Conclusion 4 • Smart people are able to self-form a loose organization (club) – not top level effective, but works – competence based voluntary supervision alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 17

Conclusion 5 • This is one very effective way to filter out really smart and motivated students for serious tasks (science lab, applied projects, education) alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 18

Robotics for Kids alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee 19

Thank you! Alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee alvo@ut. ee http: //www. ims. ut. ee