Robotics

Technology of Robotic Design: High School Credit Course

Student Video: What is Robotics?

Course Description:  Students engage in the study of computers and microprocessors and their applications to manufacturing, transportation, and communication systems. Topics include computer equipment and operating systems, robotics, programming, control systems. And social/cultural impact of these technologies. Problem-solving activities challenge students to design, program, and interface devices with computer systems. Learning activities include robotics, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing and design, and control of electromechanical devices. 

Link to Gradebook and Assignments:

Required Materials:

• USB Drive (Optional)

• Pencil 

Rues and Expectations:

1) Remain seated and quiet during instruction.  Raise your hand to ask questions or make comments.

2) Keep your hands to yourself at all times and avoid "horseplay."

3) Show respect for your classmates and teachers. 

• Virginia Technology of Robotic Design Course Competencies:

• Demonstrating Workplace Readiness Skills: Personal Qualities and People Skills

  1. Demonstrate positive work ethic.

  2. Demonstrate integrity.

  3. Demonstrate teamwork skills.

  4. Demonstrate self-representation skills.

  5. Demonstrate diversity awareness.

  6. Demonstrate conflict-resolution skills.

  7. Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness.

• Demonstrating Workplace Readiness Skills: Professional Knowledge and Skills

  1. Demonstrate effective speaking and listening skills.

  2. Demonstrate effective reading and writing skills.

  3. Demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

  4. Demonstrate healthy behaviors and safety skills.

  5. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace organizations, systems, and climates.

  6. Demonstrate lifelong-learning skills.

  7. Demonstrate job-acquisition and advancement skills.

  8. Demonstrate time-, task-, and resource-management skills.

  9. Demonstrate job-specific mathematics skills.

  10. Demonstrate customer-service skills.

• Demonstrating Workplace Readiness Skills: Technology Knowledge and Skills

  1. Demonstrate proficiency with technologies common to a specific occupation.

  2. Demonstrate information technology skills.

  3. Demonstrate an understanding of Internet use and security issues.

  4. Demonstrate telecommunications skills.

• Examining All Aspects of an Industry

  1. Examine aspects of planning within an industry/organization.

  2. Examine aspects of management within an industry/organization.

  3. Examine aspects of financial responsibility within an industry/organization.

  4. Examine technical and production skills required of workers within an industry/organization.

  5. Examine principles of technology that underlie an industry/organization.

  6. Examine labor issues related to an industry/organization.

  7. Examine community issues related to an industry/organization.

  8. Examine health, safety, and environmental issues related to an industry/organization.

• Addressing Elements of Student Life

  1. Identify the purposes and goals of the student organization.

  2. Explain the benefits and responsibilities of membership in the student organization as a student and in professional/civic organizations as an adult.

  3. Demonstrate leadership skills through participation in student organization activities, such as meetings, programs, and projects.

  4. Identify Internet safety issues and procedures for complying with acceptable use standards.

• Exploring Robotics and Automation Systems

  1. Define robotics, automation, and control systems.

  2. Investigate careers in robotics, automation, and control systems.

  3. Research the history and development of robotics, automation, and control systems.

  4. Explain the universal systems model (i.e., input, process, output, and feedback).

  5. Apply direct and indirect measurement systems and coordinate systems.

  6. Identify open and closed loops in control systems.

• Applying the Basics of Control and Distribution of Energy

  1. Describe the concepts of voltage, current, and resistance in electricity.

  2. Describe the difference between alternating and direct current.

  3. Identify safety precautions and information for electricity (AC and DC), mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

  4. Explain the primary functions of electronic systems components.

  5. Identify the primary concepts and components of mechanical systems.

  6. Explain primary concepts and components of a fluid power system.

  7. Describe the differences between and uses of analog and digital electronics for the control of power distribution systems.

  8. Describe the operation of basic logic circuits.

  9. Measure circuit values with a multimeter.

  10. Identify the primary types of data transmission hardware.

• Exploring Microprocessor/Microcontroller (Computer) System Basics

  1. Describe the function of an operating system.

  2. Describe the essential components of a computing system.

  3. Describe the software applications of computer technology within automation systems.

  4. Describe how computers are used to control automated systems.

  5. Describe a microcontroller.

  6. Describe the function of interfacing robotic systems.

  7. Describe the function of a microcontroller/logic controller.

  8. Describe the fundamentals of computer numeric control (CNC).

  9. Identify microcontrollers and their functions within industry tools, including PLC.

  10. Develop a computer-controlled model solution to a problem.

• Manipulating and Controlling Data

  1. Describe the need for data manipulation and control.

  2. Manipulate data.

  3. Ensure the security of data.

• Exploring Communication and Networking

  1. Explain types of communication/networking and layers.

  2. Describe various types of ports, channels, and controllers for robotic communications.

  3. Define a process control network (PCN).

  4. Plan a PCN for various systems.

• Exploring the Components of Robotics and Automation Systems

  1. Identify components of safe robotic systems.

  2. Describe types and functions of sensors and the intelligent systems used to analyze and expand on these functionalities.

  3. Describe the options for power supplies, silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs), solenoid valves, actuators, and motors to control movement systems.

  4. Describe types and functions of relays.

  5. Describe various hardware and software used in the industry.

  6. Describe precision measurement equipment and techniques.

  7. Describe components or processes that typically require precision measurement.

• Assembling an Automated System

  1. Compare open and proprietary hardware components.

  2. Simulate functions of all components of a working automated system.

  3. Assemble an automated system.

  4. Reengineer the design of an existing system.

  5. Simulate precision measurements of components in a control system.

  6. Simulate control, robotics, and automation systems.

  7. Install a machine vision system on an existing design.

• Programming an Automated System

  1. Implement basic programming procedures.

  2. Select the most appropriate programming language/platform for application.

  3. Program an automated system.