Teaching fundamental concepts in robotics technology using MATLAB toolboxes

Abstract

Robotics as a subject has always been an attractive course for students due to current overwhelming present of robots in various human activities, and desire to learn the magic behind the machine operation. However, delivering the fundamental concepts in robotic (especially for serial robot manipulator) such as kinematics, dynamics, coordinate transformation and trajectory planning is neither easy nor fun like watching robot movies for the students. Apart from difficulty in grasping the mathematical concept and relate it immediately to robot practical behavior, visualizing the concept through conventional teaching approach is challenging. And due to the concern for safety of learners and damage to the machine, direct practical demonstration with real serial robot manipulator without exclusive supervision is restricted which by implication limits extend to which the students can explore the concepts on their own. In other to facilitate teaching and learning of the fundamental concepts and enliven learners' interest in the subject, there is need to review the pedagogy of teaching the subject through incorporation of latest tools especially technology tools available from time to time. In line with this, this paper presents experience in teaching robotics technology course to undergraduate engineering students at the college level with a blend of practical demonstration and use of MATLAB toolboxes simulation software in the course delivery. The course outlines, learning objectives, overview of the software tool and its essential features, series of learning activities adopted and assessment strategy are outlined. This approach was observed to be learner friendly, simplify the concepts, and promote effective classroom engagements.