Teaching forward kinematics in a robotics course using simulations: transfer to a real-world context using LEGO mindstor
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Teaching forward kinematics in a robotics course using simulations: transfer to a real‑world context using LEGO mindstorms™ Salvador González‑García1 · Jorge Rodríguez‑Arce2 · Gerardo Loreto‑Gómez3 · Victor M. Montaño‑Serrano2 Received: 27 October 2019 / Accepted: 23 July 2020 © Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature 2020
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. Keywords Educational platforms · Teaching strategy · Computer simulations · Educational innovation
1 Introduction Today, robotics is one of the most significant applications in manufacturing companies due to increased interest in automation technology. In general, robots can be defined as mechatronic systems that make autonomous movements and perform specific tasks in a repeated way. Robotics has also become a fundamental topic in engineering programs in electronics, computer science, and mechatronics. Traditional methods for teaching the theory and concepts about serial manipulators include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, readings, and problem-solving sessions. * Jorge Rodríguez‑Arce [email protected]; [email protected] 1
Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, 64849 Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Edo De Mexico, Mexico
3
Instituto Tecnologico Superior de Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico
Nevertheless, it is necessary for students to understand and interpret basic concepts, which are sometimes abstract and difficult to explain using these teaching tools; some theoretical concepts are difficult to u
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