fischertechnik ROBO TX Training Lab

Additional Information for Educators and Administrators

Specific concepts addressed with this set: The construction, programming and control of both simple and complex machines and robots.

Overview of Parts Used:

Actuators, Sensors (including phototransistors, Trail sensors, pushbutton and a heat sensor), Encoder Motors and regular electronic motors.

Programming--Design programs on the computer using the ROBO Pro “Graphic programming interface” software, which utilizes graphic symbols, or icons, to represent various functions in a flow-chart like manner. Download the created programs from your computer to the control unit of the robotic models. The ROBO TX Controller controls the actuators of the robot and evaluates the information from the various sensors. Programs can be downloaded using either a USB connection, or Bluetooth.

Procedure and Practices—Students learn the importance of working carefully. They are asked to check the movement of all parts, and to test all programs on the computer prior to downloading them into the ROBO TX Controller unit.

Non Mobile Models:

Build a working model of a hand dryer using a phototransistor, a traffic light using a pushbutton sensor, and a model of a freight elevator using a light barrier. Perform various programming related tasks using each model.

Build a model of a dishwasher (rinsing/drying machine) using pushbutton sensors and various indicator lights. Perform various programming related tasks related to the lights and sensors.

Build a model of a thermostat/temperature control containing a lens tip lamp, blower, and the heat sensor (NTC resistor). Perform various programming related tasks and tests using these components.

Mobile Robotic Models:

Build a series of mobile robotic models utilizing the various actuators and sensors, as well as the encoder motors.

Build a basic mobile robot using the special encoder motors, and perform various programming tasks, including moving a straight line, making a turn, and moving in a figure. Learn how to make the movements more precise.

Build a trail searcher model which students will program to react independently. Program the model to detect a trail, follow a trial, and finally to find a trail and follow it.

Build a robotic lawn mower model and program it to detect and void borders and obstacles. Additionally, program it for random occurrences, such as taking different angles for rotation every time it takes an avoidance action.

Build a soccer robot that can move around a field of play, detect a ball and shoot it into a goal.

Build a robot that can measure and display temperature at various points as it travels.

Build a robotic forklift model, such as is found in many industrial settings which can be programmed to perform lifting and lowering movements, move between fixed points, detect junctions where it is to perform specific actions, or transport without an end.

Academic Standards and Benchmarks

Standard 2: Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology.

Benchmark M

Standard 3: Students will develop an understanding of the relationships among technologies and the connections between technology and other fields of study.

Benchmark D

Standard 7: Students will develop an understanding of the influence of technology on history.

Benchmarks H

Standard 9: Students will develop an understanding of engineering design.

Benchmarks E, K

Standard 10: Students will develop an understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving.<.dt>

Benchmarks C, D, E, F

Standard 12: Students will develop the abilities to use and maintain technological products and systems.

Benchmarks D, F, H, J, K, N, O

Standard 17: Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use information and communication technologies.

Benchmarks G, H