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Title
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Design and evaluation of a DIY construction system for educational robot kits
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Author
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Abstract
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| Building a robot from scratch in an educational context can be a challenging prospect. While a multitude of projects exist that simplify the electronics and software aspects of a robot, the same cannot be said for construction systems for robotics. In this paper, we present our efforts to create a low-cost do-it-yourself construction system for small robots. We have created three different construction systems (laser-cut screw connectors, printed friction-fit connectors, and printed hybrid connectors) using small aluminium T-slot extrusions, based on prior work done by Industrial Design college students. Eighty-six secondary school students and 35 teachers tested these three systems during a five-day robotics contest where they had to build firefighting robots. Follow-up questionnaires and an expert evaluation were used to measure the usability, affective appraisal and functionality of the three systems in order to determine which system should serve as a basis for further design iterations. Overall, a clear preference was shown for the hybrid system, which relies on its interlocking shape as well as on a screw connection to create robot frames that are both quick to construct and very rigid once assembled. We believe our work represents a solid first step toward an inexpensive, "hackable" construction system for educational robotics. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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International journal of technology and design education. - Place of publication unknown
International Journal of Technology and Design Education
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Publication
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Place of publication unknown
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2016
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ISSN
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0957-7572
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DOI
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10.1007/S10798-015-9324-1
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Volume/pages
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26
:4
(2016)
, p. 521-540
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ISI
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000386116100003
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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