Obstacle avoiding Arduino robot: Build and program a robotic vehicle that avoids obstacles

Nature is the source of inspiration for the field of robotics and engineers are trying to mimic its ways in many cases. In this challenge, students construct and program a tricycle robot to navigate in space avoiding obstacles that appear along its course. The robot mimics the way that the animals such as bats (or dolphins etc.) “see” in dark natural environments. The robot is built on the open arduino platform and includes the appropriate distance sensors (ultrasonic sensors) in order to "see" the obstacles ... An impressive conclusion that wiil make the students is that the robot "sees" ... by listening. The field of Robotics integrates all STEM fields in a way no other subject can cover. In fact, the field of robotics integrates mechanical, electrical, electronics, control engineering, computer science, technology, mathematics, physics and biology.

Knowledge acquisition gain

Skills: Introduction of the world of design process and on how engineers work / encourage problem-solving skills / practical application of science and math in engineering / developing critical thinking / support teamwork, motivation, troubleshooting and learning from failure / understanding of the materials and their role in the engineering process. Science concepts: Programming, sensors, navigation

Workforce in Engineering

Engineering accounts for almost half of the STEM student population. In the EU, jobs for engineers and other researchers grew by 7% in the past five years. Jobs for science and engineering technicians - such as construction supervisors and process controllers - grew by 2%. Overall, they account for 7% of all jobs in the EU. As of 2016, around 15 million European engineering and science workers are employed. Many of them work in the manufacturing, construction, and professional service sectors. In the next years, jobs for engineers and researchers will increase by 13%, and jobs for science and engineering technicians will increase by 2%.

Responsible Research and Innovation

RRI challenges the methodologies to be used in STEM education

Gender is an issue in STEM teaching

Inclusion is a driving force for STEM learning

Group

3-4

Duration

210 min

Number of staff

Science Discipline

Engineering

Education Level

12-18 years

Installation effort

Some effort required, you'll need to install some programs

Knowledge prerequisites

Advances: material is most suitable for advanced students interested in the topic
Intermediate

Setting

Classroom use
Outdoors

Supervision required

Teacher supervision required

Technical requirements

Internet connection during class required
You'll need to buy some materials