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From RoboLab to Aibo: A Behavior-Based Interface for Educational Robotics
Abstract
This paper describes a framework designed to broaden the entry-level for the use of sophisticated robots as educational platforms. The goal is to create a low-entry, high-ceiling programming environment that, through a graphical behavior-based interface, allows inexperienced users to author control programs for the Sony Aibo four-legged robot. To accomplish this end, we have extended the popular RoboLab application, which is a simple, icon-based programming environment originally designed to interface with the LEGO Mindstorms robot. Our extension is in the form of a set of “behavior icons” that users select within RoboLab, which are then converted to low-level commands that can be executed directly on the Aibo. Here, we present the underlying technical aspects of our system and demonstrate its feasibility for use in a classroom.
Keywords
Distance Sensor Robot Platform Hierarchical State Machine Memory Stick Traditional Programming LanguagePreview
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