Robotics Class: Tactile Navigation and Input Programming with LEDs and Whiskers
Many types of robotic machinery rely on a variety of tactile switches. For example, a tactile switch may detect when a robotic arm has encountered an object. The robot can be programmed to pick up the object and place it elsewhere. Factories use tactile switches to count objects on a production line, and also for aligning objects during industrial processes.
In all these instances, the switches provide inputs that dictate some other form of programmed output. The inputs are electronically monitored by the product, be it a robot, or a calculator, or a production line. Based on the state of the switches, the robot arm grabs an object, or the calculator display updates, or the factory production line reacts with motors or servos to guide products.
Students were challenged to build tactile switches, called whiskers, onto their Boe-Bots and test them. Once tested, the student must also program the Boe-Bot to monitor the state of these switches, and decide what to do when it encounters an obstacle. The end result is autonomous navigation by touch.
The LEDs have a variety of uses, but for this project are best suited as a reporting mechanism, indicating which whisker has been activated
Instructors Laura Duke and Chantain Greer led the teams in this lesson.
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