Development of an undergraduate robotics course

Abstract

Robotics is a multi-disciplinary subject typically taught at the graduate level. Yet, because of its multidisciplinary nature, robotics is an ideal example of curriculum integration. Students are forced to combine knowledge acquired in a variety of classes across different disciplines. This paper discusses several issues related to the recent development of an undergraduate robotics course at the University of West Florida, USA. The course includes elements of classical robotics such as kinematics, dynamics and control of robot manipulators and robot building concepts. The course culminates in a robotics competition in which teams of students build robotic devices that compete against those of other teams.