Teaching the Foundations in AI: Mobile Robots and Symbolic Victories

Abstract

Introductory AI courses present students with dif-cult theoretical issues related to the intelligence and behavior of agents operating in the world. We believe that mobile robot projects, when in-tegrated with readings and discussions, help stu-dents bridge the gap between abstract AI theory and implementation. In this article we describe an introductory AI class designed around readings, discussion, and student-led mobile robot projects. We then review the outcome of a recent robot project. Finally, we report on the results of sur-veys taken during the semester to evaluate the success of the course in forming student opinions towards intelligence and agency.