Innovations in Robotics Education: Augmented Reality

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technological tool that provides interactive experiences to the user by overlapping virtual objects in a real environment. This paper presents a tool developed using augmented reality to study and teach robotic manipulators, focused on universities without the economic resources to acquire a serial manipulator. Three programs were developed that allow the student to visualize and rectify essential concepts of robotics such as the transformation of coordinate systems, Denavit - Hartenberg methodology, and configuration of a robotic manipulator, among others. The application allows the student to interact virtually with different manipulators, control the robot’s joints using the keyboard, and visualize real-time distances and parameters concerning a fixed coordinate system on the screen. Considering that the manipulators are rendered, it is possible to perform path planning and collision analysis on a path given by the user. The application is easily modifiable, including new manipulators and developing didactic strategies for students.