TekBots
™
Department of Electrical &
Computer Engineering
Oregon State University
Terri Fiez
September 12, 2002
What are TekBots™?
• TekBots are robots used as a platform for
learning in engineering curricula
• Fully aligned and integrated lab and lecture
• Student-owned robots – extendable platform
• A way to teach depth, breadth,
professionalism, troubleshooting, community,
and innovation
Create Compelling Learning Experiences
TekBotsTM
Enhances educational experience by …
 Integrating knowledge
 Creating hands on excitement
 Instilling a sense of accomplishment
Core Values
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Personal Ownership
Course Continuity
Context
Fun Factor
Hands-on Learning
Building the TekBots Concept
Freshmen Orientation: ECE 112
Major emphasis: align lecture and lab
topics
– Realignment of topics will reinforce learning
and prevent “compartmentalized” learning
ECE 112 Lecture/Lab Topics
Before TekBots
ECE 112 Lecture/Lab Topics
with TekBots
Reinforcing KVL and KCL
100ohms
100ohms
M
M
Enhancing Innovation Through
Challenge Problems
Lab Title
Challenge Question
Robot Gymnastics
Speed and Accuracy Challenge: Set your TekBots robot to make as many laps as possible
without straying from a defined circle in a minute.
Ohm’s Law in Practice
Make a ‘Resistor’: Build a PWM from a 555 timer chip that models a resistor in series with
your motors. Make a simple cruise control.
KVL: Friend or Foe?
Exploring Power: Explore why power consumption is important on cell phones, Martian rovers,
and vacuums.
Working Together Works
All Powered Up: Explore the differences if any of various series/parallel circuits made from
motors and batteries.
Transistors: Creation of
the Century
Can you Feel the Noise: Build a simple amplifier and inspect the noise on your robot’s motors.
Find how to reduce this noise.
Go Towards the Light
Reverse Psychology: Can you make your light-loving robot scared of the light?
Introducing the Platform Into
Digital Electronics
Programming Interface x1
(Buffering ICs)
7-Segment Display x2
DIP Switches x8
Push-button Switches x4
mach4 cPLD
LEDs x8
Expanding TekBots Beyond
ECE
• Collaboration with Mechanical
Engineering for ME 101 (Fall 2002)
• Introduction into sophomore circuits and
microprocessor class
• Proposals to expand program
• Collaboration with Art and Extension to
CS
TekBots Evolution
Having Fun with TekBots
Senior Undergraduates as Mentors
“… it gave them a real hands-on a
approach to electronics.
-Chris McGlothlin, TA
TekBots Learning Pyramid
Design
Innovation
Community
Professionalism
Troubleshooting
Hands-on Learning
Breadth
Depth
TekBotsTM
Lab
Lecture
Evaluation of the Platform
Student Evaluations
Pilot Interviews
Active Observers
Lab Aid Evaluations
Class Survey
Industry Evaluations
TekBots Evaluation
• Developed survey to determine impact of
TekBots on Community building and
innovation
• CS did not use the TekBots platform, ECE
students did (about 300 students total)
• Evaluation results showed Platform
enhanced community and innovation (one
indicator)
• Expanding assessment this year
TekBots™ Commercialization
Concept -- Provide TekBots™ curriculum
and kits to other schools starting Fall ’03
2003 TekBots™ Products
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Basic Kit - $89.95
Digital Logic Kit - $69.95
Combo Kit - $99.95
Pre-assembled robot - $129.95
Downloadable, modular curriculum
Optional printed workbooks - $19.95
Instructor training – onsite or at OSU
TekBots™ Mission
Revolutionize engineering education by developing Platforms
for Learning which integrate classroom instruction with
hands-on, real-world design and troubleshooting experience,
and by providing an optimum balance between individual
ownership and community experience.