Developing Climbing Robots for Education

Abstract

This paper presents a practical course that introduces students to thedevelopment and construction of a mobile robotic system. Using a wheeledclimbing robot for metallic walls as an example, the course aims atteaching practical skills in engineering as well as developing softskills like project management and teamwork. To increase motivation andallow the construction of a working system in the limited time availableduring one university term, the students are provided with severalpre-made components and software tools. In the paper, the generalstructure of the course is presented and the different deliverables aredetailed along with the supplied components. The paper ends with someexample designs students came up with during the first time that thecourse was held in winter 2003/04 and an evaluation of the learningeffect that was achieved.