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Teaching forward kinematics in a robotics course using simulations: transfer to a real-world context using LEGO mindstorms™

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Abstract

Previous studies show that traditional teaching methods such as oral explanations and PowerPoint presentations can be complemented with the use of computer simulations in problem-solving sessions to teach robotics. Nevertheless, these previous works rest upon the assumption that the knowledge that is learned in virtual laboratories transfers to its equivalent real task. The main contribution of this work is to validate that the knowledge obtained by students in an undergraduate robotics course using computer simulations of 3D model robots can be applied to its real-world context. The experimental platform used to run the computer simulations was based on the Simscape Multibody library of the MATLAB™ software. Results show a satisfactory knowledge transfer because more than 75% of the students finished a forward kinematics problem using a physical manipulator built with LEGO Mindstorms™. In addition, the observation analysis of the professor reveals that students reinforced their knowledge previously learned, and their problem-solving and critical thinking skills also improved. In this way, this study demonstrates that the proposed methodology not only helps the transfer of knowledge to the real-world context but also helps to develop student competencies. Future work is needed to replicate the findings in other robotics topics, such as the generation of trajectories, the analysis of the dynamics of manipulators, and the design of various controllers for the actuators of the robot.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial and technical support of Writing Lab, TecLabs, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico, in the production of this work. The authors also would like to acknowledge the financial support of Novus Grant with PEP no. PHHT045-17CX00003, TecLabs, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico, in the production of this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, 64849, Monterrey, NL, Mexico

    Salvador González-García

  2. Universidad Autonoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Edo De Mexico, Mexico

    Jorge Rodríguez-Arce & Victor M. Montaño-Serrano

  3. Instituto Tecnologico Superior de Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico

    Gerardo Loreto-Gómez

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  1. Salvador González-García
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  2. Jorge Rodríguez-Arce
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  3. Gerardo Loreto-Gómez
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  4. Victor M. Montaño-Serrano
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Correspondence to Jorge Rodríguez-Arce.

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González-García, S., Rodríguez-Arce, J., Loreto-Gómez, G. et al. Teaching forward kinematics in a robotics course using simulations: transfer to a real-world context using LEGO mindstorms™. Int J Interact Des Manuf 14, 773–787 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-020-00670-z

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