IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
MOBILE ROBOTICS
GCE NORMAL (TECHNICAL) EXAMINATION SYLLABUS IT01
CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 2
AIMS ...................................................................................................................... 2
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES ............................................................................... 3
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT ................................................................................ 4
SUBJECT CONTENT ............................................................................................ 7
NOTES................................................................................................................. 16
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
MOBILE ROBOTICS
GCE NORMAL (TECHNICAL) EXAMINATION SYLLABUS IT01
I
INTRODUCTION
1
This is a Normal (Technical) examination syllabus for a 2-year course in Mobile
Robotics undertaken at the upper secondary level. The syllabus aims to provide
the students with the experience of developing their own mobile robots and at the
same time provide a foundation to further their studies in mechatronics
engineering or related fields.
2
The syllabus covers the basic knowledge and skills in electrical, electronics,
mechanical design and intelligent control that are relevant to technical courses at
post-secondary level. It emphasises on the applications and integration of
technical knowledge and skills to design and build mobile robots to perform
specified tasks.
II
AIMS
3
The aims are to:
3.1
enable students to develop capabilities and skills for problem-solving and
critical thinking;
3.2
provide opportunities for students to apply and refine design approaches
towards a viable solution;
3.3
stimulate curiosity and interest in technology through design and build
activities;
3.4
promote an awareness of the:
3.4.1
impact of technology on society, industry, business, home and
leisure;
3.4.2
changing and progressive nature of technology;
3.5
enable students to acquire knowledge and skills in preparation for postsecondary technical courses; and
3.6
inculcate in students safety consciousness and safe working habits.
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
III
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
4
The assessment objectives are classified into THREE categories.
4.1
Knowledge with Understanding (25%)
Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation
to:
4.2
4.1.1
technical definitions, laws, concept and theories;
4.1.2
technical terminology and conventions including symbols, quantities and
units; and
4.1.3
technical equipment and tools including techniques of operation and
safety aspect.
Handling and Applying Information and Problem Solving (25%)
Students should be able, by using words or symbolic and numerical forms of
presentation, to:
4.3
4.2.1
locate, select, organise and present relevant information from a variety of
sources;
4.2.2
plan and manage a design project using available resources leading to its
completion within a timeframe;
4.2.3
analyse a need and develop ideas by considering relevant human,
functional, aesthetic and technological factors through the use of
appropriate thinking skills;
4.2.4
apply appropriate knowledge of materials, processes and technological
aspects in logic design and control; and
4.2.5
refine ideas through ongoing testing, trouble-shooting and evaluation prior
to realisation.
Integration and Realisation (50%)
Students should be able to:
4.3.1
organise the work procedures involved in the realisation of a design
solution;
4.3.2
realise a design solution using appropriate equipment, materials and
suitable fabrication techniques (mechanical and electronics); and
4.3.3
apply their knowledge, skills, and trouble-shooting technique towards
building a mobile robot.
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
IV
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
5
Candidates are required to take two papers (Paper 1 - Written Examination and
Paper 2 - Project Design) which will be examined in the second year of the
course.
6
The assessment grid is shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Assessment Grid
Assessment Objectives
6.1
Paper
Knowledge
With
Understanding
Handling and
applying
information and
Problem Solving
Integration
and
Realisation
Total
Paper 1
(Written
Examination)
15%
15%
-
30%
Paper 2
(Project Design)
10%
10%
50%
70%
Overall
25%
25%
50%
100%
Paper 1: Written Examination (1 hour and 15 minutes)
6.1.1
This paper will be examined towards the end of the examination year.
This will be a formal timed examination in which candidates will be
assessed on their knowledge with understanding of the subject, handling
and applying information and problem solving skills.
6.1.2
The written examination has two sections:
-
Section A (30 marks) contains 30 compulsory multiple-choice
questions.
-
Section B (20 marks) contains 5 compulsory structured questions.
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
6.2
Paper 2: Project Design (6 hours)
6.2.1
Schools will be informed of the Project Brief set by the examining authority
at the beginning of the examination year. Candidates are to design and
assemble a mobile robot to perform a desired task. The mobile robot
could be a wheeled robot or a robot with moving parts.
6.2.2
The project design consists of 4 parts, which will be conducted
sequentially.
6.2.3
Part 1 [1 hour]
:
Design a control circuit
Part 2 [1 hour]
:
Connect a control circuit
Part 3 [1 hour]
:
Troubleshoot a faulty circuit board
Part 4 [3 hours]
:
Integrate and test a mobile robot
Candidates are required to complete each of the 4 parts within the
stipulated time under supervised conditions. At the end of each part,
assessors will collect and keep candidates’ work securely for subsequent
marking. In addition, candidates are to keep a portfolio to document all
design activities which include project scheduling, schematic diagrams
and mechanical design drawings.
Part 1 [1 hour]: Design a Control Circuit
6.2.4
The ‘brain’ of the mobile robot is in the control circuit. The robot makes all
its decisions here according to the various input conditions. In this Part 1,
candidates are to design a control circuit according to the given input
situations.
Part 2 [1 hour]: Connect a Control Circuit
6.2.5
Candidates are to connect a control circuit in relation to Part 1.
Part 3 [1 hour]: Troubleshoot a Faulty Circuit Board
6.2.6
Candidates will be assessed on their troubleshooting skills to rectify and
make good a given faulty board. The given faulty board will contain at
least 4 faults. This practice is to hone candidates’ skills to allow them to
troubleshoot Part 4 when necessary.
Part 4 [3 hours]: Integrate and Test a Mobile Robot
6.2.7
In the final part of the project design, candidates are to integrate a given
standard component with other parts, including mechanical supports,
sensors and moving parts. They may have to design a driver circuit to
drive the moving parts. Candidates may complete this part over a few
sessions with a total duration of 3 hours. Candidates’ work will be kept
securely by assessors at the end of each session.
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Assessment of Paper 2: Project Design
7
8
The criteria upon which the marking scheme shall be built include the ability to:
7.1
plan, execute and monitor the progress of the project design;
7.2
understand/analyse the expected specifications/requirements of the
project design and connect a control circuit accordingly;
7.3
troubleshoot and rectify faults;
7.4
integrate electronic cards, sensors and mechanical support;
7.5
use correct colour codes of wires for circuit connections; and
7.6
ensure firmness of mechanical support and good electrical jointing.
The project design consists of 4 parts. The weighting of each part is as shown:
Title
Weighting
Part 1
Design a control circuit
Part 2
Connect a control circuit
Part 3
Troubleshoot a faulty circuit board
10%
Part 4
Integrate and test a mobile robot
40%
Total score for Paper 2
6
15%
5%
70%
IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
V
SUBJECT CONTENT
1
Mobile Robots
Overview
Automation plays an increasingly important role in the global economy and in daily
experience. Students learn about various forms of automation through robotic systems
and the overview of a typical autonomous robotic system in functional blocks.
Content



Evolution of robot systems
Roles of robots and intelligent machines
Overview of an autonomous robotic system
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
1.1
understand the evolution of robot systems
1.2
explain the roles of robots and intelligent machines
1.3
explain the overview of an autonomous robotic system by:
(a)
drawing the functional blocks
(b)
describing the operation of each block
2
Design
Overview
Design is a broad area that focuses on planning, exploring, practising and performing.
Students learn about each design phase and draw up a project schedule to manage the
design process.
Content



Design method such as plan, explore, practise and perform
Project Scheduling
Realisation plan such as schematic and assembly drawings
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
2.1
explain the design method by:
(a)
drawing block diagrams to illustrate the design process
(b)
describing each phase of the design process
2.2
produce a project schedule showing various stages of work
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2.3
produce schematic and assembly drawings including:
(a)
electronics schematic diagram
(b)
component list
(c)
wiring diagram
(d)
mechanical assembly drawing
3
Basic Electricity
Overview
Students learn about the electric theories and circuit operations. Students apply their
knowledge and skills in the design of electronic projects.
Content






Voltage, current and resistance and their relationships
Series and parallel circuits
Current rating
Types of battery
Use of multimeter
Safety precautions when using measuring instruments
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
3.1
state that current is a rate of flow of charge and that it is measured in amperes
3.2
state the relationships among current, resistance and potential difference (p.d.)
3.3
apply the relationship of current, resistance and p.d. to solve related problems in
a DC (direct current) circuit
3.4
state that the same current flows through the resistors connected in series
3.5
determine the effective resistance of resistors connected in series
3.6
determine the p.d. across each resistor connected in series
3.7
state that the p.d. across resistors connected in parallel is the same
3.8
determine the effective resistance of resistors connected in parallel
3.9
determine the current flowing through each of the two resistors connected in
parallel
3.10
explain current rating of a device
3.11
apply the current rating knowledge to compute and choose a suitable device in a
DC circuit
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
3.12
state the various types of battery and their ratings
3.13
use the appropriate electrical instruments to measure the following quantities in a
DC circuit:
(a)
voltage
(b)
current
(c)
resistance
3.14
exercise safety precautions when handling and using measuring instruments
3.15
explain the precautions and procedures for safe electrical work such as
(a)
switching off supply when connecting/wiring up circuits
(b)
reporting defective items, including plugs and leads at once to the teacher
(c)
ensuring that all wiring, whether permanent or temporary, must be neat,
orderly, safe and sited so that it will not cause a tripping hazard or itself
suffer unnecessary mechanical damage or wear
(d)
ensuring that terminals at voltages capable of electrocution are not
exposed
3.16
explain the effects of short-circuit in a circuit such as:
(a)
damage to components in a circuit
(b)
overheating in wires and circuit boards which could pose fire hazard
(c)
tripping of circuit breakers
4
Basic Electronics
Overview
Students learn about the basic electronic components and their uses and apply their
knowledge and skills in designing and building electronic projects.
Content



Common electronic components and their uses e.g. resistor, capacitor, diode,
transistor and ICs (Integrated circuits)
Soldering / Desoldering technique and its related safety precautions
Breadboarding technique
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
4.1
explain how resistors are used in current limiting and voltage divider circuits
4.2
explain how a potentiometer is used as a voltage divider
4.3
connect DC circuits using potentiometer and other components
4.4
determine the value of a resistor from its colour codes
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
4.5
describe the basic function of a capacitor
4.6
state the applications of ceramic and electrolyte capacitors in DC circuits
4.7
determine the value of a capacitor from its printed codes
4.8
describe the operation of a diode and a zener diode
4.9
state the applications of the diode and zener diode in DC circuits
4.10
state NPN and PNP transistors
4.11
draw the schematic symbol of an NPN and a PNP transistor
4.12
identify the emitter, collector and base leads of a transistor
4.13
explain how a transistor operates as a switch
4.14
identify the pin configuration of an DIL (dual in-line) IC package
4.15
state the voltage supply of a typical TTL (Transistor–Transistor Logic) IC
4.16
draw the schematic symbols of:
(a)
various types of resistors
(b)
various types of capacitors
(c)
diode and zener diode
(d)
NPN and PNP transistors
4.17
interpret the standard notation and indicate the value of resistor and capacitor in
schematic diagrams
4.18
build projects using resistors, capacitors, diodes and/or transistors
4.19
test and troubleshoot a given circuit with components such as resistors,
capacitors, diodes and transistors
4.20
describe the grouping of connectors inside a breadboard
4.21
connect up a circuit on a breadboard as follows:
(a)
select correct type of wire for connection
(b)
use correct coloured wires for various functions
(c)
perform proper stripping of insulated wire for connection
(d)
perform proper connections of components based on schematic diagram
4.22
state the safety precautions pertaining to soldering
4.23
perform proper soldering technique on strip boards
4.24
distinguish between good and bad soldered joints
4.25
perform proper desoldering technique using solder sucker and desoldering braids
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5
Digital Electronics
Overview
The heart of an application robot is the control circuit. Students learn to design and
implement control circuit using digital logic gates in a mobile robot.
Content

Common Logic Gates e.g. AND, OR and NOT

Truth Table with a maximum of 3 inputs

Karnaugh Map Techniques with a maximum of 3 inputs

Boolean expression

Logic circuit design
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
5.1
explain the basic operations of AND, OR and NOT gates using truth table
5.2
form Boolean expression from simple combination logic circuit
5.3
draw logic circuit from simple Boolean expression
5.4
apply Karnaugh Mapping to simplify and design simple logic circuits as follows:
(a)
form a truth table for an application with a maximum of 3 inputs
(b)
construct a Karnaugh map from a truth table for a maximum of 3 inputs
(c)
implement “don’t care” terms in the Karnaugh map
(d)
perform grouping activities in the Karnaugh map
(e)
form Boolean expressions from the Karnaugh map groupings
(f)
draw combination logic circuits based on the derived Boolean expressions
(g)
build the control circuit of a mobile robot using logic gates and other
components provided
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6
Input-Output Devices
Overview
In any automation machines/systems, input and output devices are used to allow these
machines to communicate with the outside world. Input devices feed information from
the outside world to the machines while output devices send information from the
machines to the outside world. In this topic, students learn about these input and output
devices and apply their knowledge and skills in designing and building projects.
Content

Sensors e.g. thermistor, light, moisture and material

Light-Emitting Diode (LED)

Buzzer

DC Motor

Mechanical Switch

Opto-Switch

Driver circuits

Effectors e.g. grippers, suckers and sweepers
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
6.1
explain the various types of sensors and their applications including:
(a)
thermistor
(b)
light
(c)
moisture
(d)
material
6.2
describe the basic construction and operation of an LED
6.3
explain the characteristics and applications of an LED
6.4
describe the different configuration of an LED including shape and colour
6.5
apply the relationship of voltage and current to compute the value of current
limiting resistor in an LED circuit
6.6
state the operation of magnetic and piezoelectric buzzers
6.7
state the different types of DC motors including brush, brushless and servos
motors
6.8
describe the operating parameters of a DC brush motor including voltage,
current, speed and torque
6.9
apply the knowledge of DC motor to change its direction of rotation
6.10
state some applications of a DC brush motor
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6.11
describe the basic parts and operation of the following switches:
(a) Pushbutton
(b) Rocker
(c) Toggle
(d) Limit
6.12
state the applications of different types of switches
6.13
describe the configuration of switches including number of poles, throws, NO
(normally open) operation mode and NC (normally closed) operation mode
6.14
describe the basic parts and operation of an opto-switch
6.15
list the common types of opto-switches including reflective and through-beam
6.16
state the applications of the different types of opto-switches
6.17
describe the operation of transistor as a switching device
6.18
state the operating requirement for PNP and NPN transistors as a switching
device
6.19
select suitable transistors rating for a given load requirement
6.20
compare the advantages and disadvantages of using a transistor driver against
using a relay driver
6.21
describe the operation of relay as a load driver
6.22
describe the function of free wheeling diode in the relay driver circuit
6.23
explain the operations of effectors including
(a) gripper
(b) sucker
(c) sweeper
6.24
draw the schematic diagrams that comprises the following components
(a) LED
(b) magnetic buzzers
(c) DC brush motors
(d) various types of mechanical and opto-switches
(e) transistor and relay drivers
(f) various types of sensors
6.25
build, test and troubleshoot a project that comprises the following components:
(a) LED
(b) magnetic buzzers
(c) DC brush motors
(d) various types of mechanical and opto-switches
(e) transistor and relay drivers
(f) various types of sensors
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
6.26
design the input and output circuit of a mobile robot with given input and output
devices
7
Simple Mechanism
Overview
Students learn about the working principles of common mechanisms found in machines
and devices and apply them in the construction of mechanical support and moving parts.
Content


Common mechanism e.g. leg levers, linkages, gears and spring loaded mechanism
Common fasteners e.g. screws, rivets and pins
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
7.1
explain the operation and applications of common mechanism including
(a) levers
(b) linkages
(c) gears
(d) spring loaded mechanism
7.2
state the applications of the various fasteners including
(a) screws
(b) rivets and pins
7.3
describe the factors affecting the performance of a wheeled robot including:
(a) wheel diameters
(b) gear ratio
(c) robot speed
(d) distance between wheels
7.4
assemble a wheeled robot with motor and gearbox for required output speed and
mobility
8.
Material and Practical Processes
Overview
Students learn to select appropriate processes for setting/marking out, shaping, joining
and assembly, and finishing with respect to the materials used and demonstrate the
correct use of hand tools, equipment and machines.
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
Content






Engineering materials e.g. characteristics and application of steel, aluminium,
wood and plastics
Setting/Marking e.g. use of try square, scriber, dot punch and vernier calipers
Shaping e.g. use of hand tools and machines to produce shape and form
Joining and Assembly methods for permanent and temporary assembly e.g.
fasteners and adhesives
Finishing e.g. abrasives, type of finishing and techniques
Safety precautions and good housekeeping
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
8.1
perform measurements using common measuring instruments, such as ruler,
vernier and protractor
8.2
demonstrate proper use of the marking tools and measuring instruments for
marking materials
8.3
state the various methods of producing desired shape, form or contour
8.4
apply safe methods of using common hand tools and machines
8.5
describe the purpose and applications of the common mechanical hand tools,
power tools and machines including drills, hacksaw and files
8.6
state the correct methods of work holding for drilling, cutting and filing
8.7
determine appropriate drill spindle speeds for drilling materials of various types
and sizes and the factors affecting drilling speed
8.8
state the common problems and faults in drilling
8.9
perform cutting, filing and drilling operations
8.10
describe the characteristics, mechanical properties and applications of steel,
aluminium, wood and plastics
8.11
state the methods for permanent and temporary assembly
8.12
distinguish the various types and forms of screw threads, threaded and nonthreaded fasteners and their applications
8.13
explain the importance of proper clamping of load and tightening torque for bolts
and screws
8.14
state the common adhesives for bonding the various types of engineering
materials such as metals, plastics, glass and wood
8.15
explain the safety precautions when handling adhesives
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IT01 MOBILE ROBOTICS (2016)
8.16
state the types of finishing
8.17
design and assemble mechanical parts
8.18
observe safety precautions and good housekeeping in the workshop
9
Integration
Overview
Students learn, apply and integrate their knowledge and skills in the design and building
of a mobile robot. The process of building a mobile robot will involve the construction of
mechanical support, incorporation of factors affecting the mobility of the robot, design of
logic and control circuits, the assembly of the various components and the testing and
the troubleshooting of faults.
Content



Mechanical Design of a mobile robot
Integration of a mobile robot
Troubleshooting technique
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
9.1
draw the block diagram showing the relationship of the sensing circuit,
logic/control circuit and the motors driving circuit of the robot
9.2
draw the schematic diagram for the interconnection of the sensing circuit, logic/
control circuit and the motors driving circuit
9.3
design, and build mechanical parts of a mobile robot
9.4
design, and build the sensing, logic/control and motor driving circuits
9.5
design, build, test and troubleshoot the logic/control circuit of a mobile robot to
perform a given task
9.6
integrate, test and troubleshoot the logic/control circuit, sensor circuits and
mechanical hardware of a mobile robot that can perform specified tasks
VI
NOTES
This syllabus has significant overlap with N(T) Design & Technology syllabus and
thus cannot be offered together with N(T) Design & Technology.
Calculators
An approved calculator may be used in all papers.
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