Sponsor: Texas Instruments

Mentor(s):

Mark Easley measley@ti.com

Project Background and Need:

Work on adding Machine Learning and speech recognition capabilities to the TI-RSLK MAX robotics kit. Over the course of the project, the team will design custom, low cost hardware that will showcase machine learning functionality on a robotics platform. To implement the machine learning, the team will leverage available ML tools and libraries that can run on the microcontroller. The team will design any relevant PCB boards in a CAD tool and work through the process of prototyping and assembly of the hardware. The team will iterate the design to improve the user “out of box” experience. This could include integration with popular ecosystems, adding connectors, adding on-board features such as sensors, or adjusting the physical size and programming interface to address market trends. When the hardware is finalized, the team will use Whole Product development philosophy to create the necessary marketing materials and software examples to ensure a positive experience with users. The team will also design or research any accessory components that will be included in the final kit, which could include a custom enclosure, connectors, cables, power supplies, stickers, and other necessary parts.

Problem Description/requirements (List of high-level functionality you expect to see in the end product):

• Functional prototype (existing hardware or fully assembled custom PCB)

• Audio circuit or other relevant addition to the TI-RSLK MAX for ML

• Open Source PCB board layout in CAD tool (EAGLE, KiCad, Upverter, or Altium)

• Clear silkscreen labeling of important board markings for users

• Open Source Bill of Materials designed for quality, performance, and low cost

• Documentation to bring up board in a user manual or quick start guide

• Include pin map diagram

• Include color photo of final board

• Explanation of out of box demo or default program

• Example code samples with documentation

• ML with accelerometer, ML with microphone

• Can be based on TI code examples provided for MCU

• Make available for Code Composer Studio

• Written list or physical prototypes of accessories for PCB or TI-RSLK MAX which could include a custom enclosure, connectors, cables, power supplies, stickers, and other necessary parts

Required Skills / Desired Competencies (in order of importance):

• Embedded hardware and programming

• Programming experience

• Robotics/mechatronics

• PCB design and layout

• Wireless communications

• Mobile App Development

• MATLAB and Simulink

How often and how would you be available to meet/chat with the team (Zoom, Hangout, Skype, Phone)?

Available for questions any time, meetings once every two weeks.

Will the students be required to sign any of the following before they start with the project? NDA / CDA / IP assignment / IP protection form

No.