Ice hockey and tennis balls: playing at computer science research with robotics

Abstract

This paper investigates issues involved in establishing an undergraduate research program in robotics. We discuss our motivation for such a program, the challenges involved with various aspects of administration and equipment, and our plans for projects for student research. One project deals with programming a robot to play air hockey and another project involves the collection of tennis balls from a tennis court using a coordinated team of robots. Preliminary results hold promise, and we are optimistic about the future of the program.

References

1. Beaubouef, T. and Mason, J. "Why the High Attrition Rate in Computer Science Students: Some Thoughts and Observations," SIGCSE Bulletin (inroads), Vol. 37, Number 2, June, 2005 pp. 103--106.
2. Beaubouef, T., Lucas, R., and Howatt, J. "The Unlock System: Enhancing Problem Solving Skills in CS1 Students," SIGCSE Bulletin (inroads), vol. 33, no. 2, June, 2001, pp. 43--46.
3. http://msdn.microsoft.com/robotics/andhttp://www.usfirst.org/

Index Terms

• Computer systems organization

  • Embedded and cyber-physical systems

    • Robotics

      • Robotic autonomy

      • Robotic components

• Computing methodologies

  • Machine learning

    • Machine learning approaches

      • Neural networks

• Social and professional topics

  • Professional topics

    • Computing education

      • Computing education programs

        • Computer science education