Humans vs. Robots Workout Challenge

Abstract

This work addresses an exciting humanoid robots experiment developed by engineering students to raise awareness and knowledge of engineering within a university campus. Three robotic kits, Robotis Premium, from Robotis, Inc. are purchased and three 18 degrees-of-freedom humanoid robots are assembled and programmed to perform various human-like physical workout exercises. In order of difficulty, the exercises include some of the following: squats, sit-ups, fingertip push-ups, and headstands (straight legs and splits). To create a "Humans vs. Robots Workout Challenge" the engineering student team chose the exercises and the number of repetitions for each exercise. Then, they programmed the humanoid robots accordingly. To encourage other students to participate, a number of small thunder-wolf mascot statues are 3D printed as prizes for human winners. Then, the challenge was presented to three groups of students (two engineering student groups and one non-engineering student group). A short questionnaire was developed and administered to the participants of the challenge. For nonengineering students, the results of the questionnaire show that these students were excited to participate in the challenge but they don't have a good grasp of what engineers do.