The Lego Mindstorm and Lego Robolab kits can be used easily for building inexpensive, portable experiments that teach fundamental concepts in controls, digital signal processing, C-programming, and embedded processing. Moreoever, the small size makes the experimental assemblies very suitable for courses that do not have labs. A few assemblies can be used for projects for an entire class by having groups of students work together and by allowing the groups to borrow the assemblies for 1/2 day or overnight use. No laboratory is needed, and the total price is very reasonable.
Components:
The RCX brick is an embedded microcontroller that can be used in feedback control experiments. The available sensors are rotation (angle) sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor and touch sensor. The available actuators are motors. (Other sensors are available from DCP along with a sensor adaptor for use with Mindstorm).
Note: This website is under construction pending review of a submitted paper. Items to be inlcuded if the paper is accepted are
Comments? Contact Bonnie Ferri, bonnie@ece.gatech.edu