The teaching innovation project corresponds to the obtention and use of a hardware/software combination for experimentation, based on a micro-robot, that works as a theoretical-practical assistance to teaching platform and for the development of introduction research projects in the context of the studies of Computer Engineering and Electronic Engineering of the University of Granada. This environment has been specially designed as a platform for experiences in the development of hardware programmable systems reconfigurable by the user, locally or by digital communication modules, as well as to develop software algorithms of intelligent control, executed in the micro-robot or in a remote computer, which involve the use of vision and other complex sensors.
The project has been directed by Prof. Francisco J. Pelayo Valle (Dpt. of Architecture and Computer Technology), and has counted with the participation of lecturers Antonio Francisco Díaz García, Francisco Javier Fernández Baldomero, Francisco Gómez Mula, Gonzalo Olivares Ruiz, María Begoña Pino Prieto, Héctor Pomares Cintas and Eduardo Ros Vidal; as well as students Rodrigo Carlos Agis Melero, Richard Carrillo Sánchez, Christian A. Morillas Gutiérrez and Samuel Morillas Gómez.
The authors of the work emphasize that “the great continuous advance of integrated circuit technology and the consequent miniaturization and price reduction of complex integrated components has favored micro-controllers´ availability and extended use, with limited features and cost in relation to microcomputers for general purposes, but with a minimum number of additional circuits provide complete solutions for electronic systems which controle a mountain of common objects, such as computer peripherals (digitizers, mice, etc), electrical household appliances, security systems, built-in subsystems for automobiles, etc”.
The persons in charge for this teaching innovation project point out, moreover, that “in architecture teaching and microcontrollers programming, as well as when teaching subjects relating to intelligent control, the use of micro-robots as a powerful teaching tool has extended, much more attractive for students than the traditional training cards. Their use as a demonstrator in the different related subjects exploits the incentive and motivational character of micro-robots for students, as has been made clear with their involvement in the development of new practical experiences”.
Further information: Prof. Francisco J. Pelayo Valle. Department of Architecture and Computer Technology
Phone number: 958 240581. E-mail: fpelayo@ugr.es
