Advanced Robotics Devices

Advanced circuits can enhance the performance of robots. For example, an energy-efficient chopper-drive circuit can improve the high-speed torque of a stepper motor without sacrificing battery life. LED pulsing techniques can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of photosensors while saving energy. A visible laser (used in pointers) and a matching LED makes a high resolution proximity/reflectance sensor. Other topics may include the design and implementation of high-current H-bridges (for controlling larger robots), the use of accelerometer for acceleration/deceleration computation and the incorporation of GPS for navigation. This course is probably best taught jointly by Electronics Technology and CSIT because there are electronics and software elements.