A Tangible Construction Kit for Exploring Graph Theory

ABSTRACT Graphs are a versatile representation of many systems in computer science, the social sciences, and mathematics, but graph theory is not taught in schools. We present our work on Graphmaster, a computationally enhanced construction kit that enables children to build graphs of their own and investigate their properties by experimenting with algorithms that operate on them. The system is distributed; microcontrollers inside each node execute an interpreted language in parallel. Graphmaster, with its magnetic connectors, illuminated edges, and capacitive sensing, encourages children to develop intuitions about connectivity long before they are introduced to the notation and formulas of graph theory

Modular Robotics as Tools for Design

Design is fundamental. In various forms, it permeates engineering, management, architecture and the arts. Design aptitude separates the visionary from the technician. Although many skills, like math or technical writing, are straightforward to quantify and teach, the creativity and processes inherent in design are both more difficult to instill and more difficult to understand. Unconstrained design is almost impossible. Noted late graphic designer Paul Rand speaks to the benefits of a constrained system as something “without which fruitful and creative work is extremely difficult. ” [2] Papert addresses this with his concept of the Microworld, [1] a domainspecific constrained environment for experimentation and design education. Microworlds have been shown to be effective tools for design education in domains from creative art to mathematics. The advent of tiny microcontrollers and inexpensive rapid prototyping technologies has made it easier to create tangible Microworlds outside of the computer screen. My research focuses on the design of modular robotic systems that allow users to play and experiment freely in computational domains. roBlocks [3

TriBoingus: Towards a Robust Mobile Robot Platform

This paper presents the triBoingus, a three wheeled mobile robot built to encourage robotics exploration. Built over the course of one semester, the first version of the triBoingus explores problems with three wheeled constrained motion control and planning. The construction of the triBoingus is described, and a design and three possible applications for the next-generation triBoingus, v2, are discussed. Keywords Mobile robotics, three wheel drive, holonomic motion, sensors, robot suspension, hopping robots

Envisioning the Robot Design Studio

The design studio encourages communication, creativity, and ideation. Often the domain of architects, industrial, and graphic designers, the studio environment has been shown to be effective in other domains, from software design to public relations firms. Robotics, with its necessarily interdisciplinary nature, is an ideal field for permeation by design studio culture. The Design Studio Anyone who has visited an architect’s office has experienced a design studio. They are characterized by open, collaborative workspaces and ideally, a high level of creative energy. Most design studios contain an abundance of supporting and in-process design material – drawings pinned to walls, physical models, and clippings from periodicals which have triggered one idea or another. Many designers choose to work in the studio environment because it encourages spontaneous, frequent communication between designers. It is worth addressing the distinction between design studios in education and industry. A designer’s office exists to optimize creativity and workflow, and perhaps profit as well. Undergraduate architecture education co-opts several of the professional studio’s features, but ends up with a more competitive, isolated version. The aim is to provide students with the skills necessary to thrive as designers, but the “studio culture ” that is created is often less productive and focused than we might find in a professional studio. Certain research labs bear a resemblance to design studios but are often less focused on materiality. The design studio, with its finished and in-process artifacts, encourages cross-pollination between designers and between projects. Often, in informal sessions, designers will “pin up ” their work for others to review and collaborate [4]. A key difference between the design studio and the research lab is the presence of formal critiquing sessions, or crits. Crits encourage thoughtful preparation and presentation, and often serve to kindle new design ideas or directions. In a typical design studio, the crit can help designers evaluate each other’s work in a more holistic fashion than through the day to day communication about design details. Wolf writes that, “designers benefit because the crit provides insight that can make them better designers. ” [7

Learning About Complexity with Modular Robots,"

Abstrac

Learning About Complexity with Modular Robots,"

Abstrac