Embedded Programming and Robotics

1. Embedded Programming and Robotics Introduction and Overview Presented by John Cole Senior Lecturer in Computer Science The University of Texas at Dallas, USA Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

2. About the Course • During the two weeks we will be together, our main objective is to learn the fundamentals of embedded programming on two processors: the Arduino and the Raspberry Pi • To do this, our main project will be to build a working robot that can be controlled by various programs. We will use both the Arduino and the Pi for this. Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

3. About the Course • You’ll work in teams of 4. You can select your own team. • This is a collaborative effort, not a graded class; you are encouraged to help each other learn • By the end of the workshop, each team will have a working robot and various programs for it • We will also do other small embedded-programming projects to illustrate principles Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

4. About the Course • We’ll be doing a little soldering, and we’ll use the multimeter when necessary to check out circuits • You’ll learn basic Python programming and gain some familiarity with Linux if you don’t already have it • Above all, we’re here to have fun while we’re learning Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

5. About Your Instructor • Six years as an adjunct (part-time) faculty member in the Computer Science Department at The University of Texas at Dallas from January 2006 through May 2012, full time senior lecturer since then • Taught at Collin College and, long ago, Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago • 40 years of writing software in a large variety of industries • Completed MS in Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Technology and some work toward PhD Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

6. Instructor Web Site • Web page: www.utdallas.edu/~John.Cole Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

7. Logistics • We start at 9:30 every morning and finish the morning session at 12:30 • One hour break for lunch • Return at 1:30 and work until 4:30 • Breaks at 11:00 and 3:00 for about 10-15 minutes • If you need to take a restroom break other than the scheduled times, just go • Please wear your nametag Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

8. Workshop Format • This will be done as a workshop, not a regular class • This means that I’ll present for a while, never more than an hour at a time and usually less • After I have introduced a topic or defined a project, you will work on it in your group • Once everyone has finished or come to a stopping point, we’ll discuss it as a class, then go on to the next topic Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

9. Workshop Format • If your group gets behind, try to catch up during lunch or after class • If I’m going to fast for the group, ask questions or ask me to give you more time • You can take photos of things I present if you like • Slides and code will be made available on my Web site Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

10. What You Should Already Know • You should know how to program in C/C++ at some reasonably good level • You should have a basic understanding of the components of a computer and how they work together • An understanding of basic electricity is helpful, but I’ll cover that Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

11. Secondary Skills • We will be doing a little soldering, but not much. If you want to make things more permanent, you can get circuit prototyping boards and solder components onto them. • We will be doing a little mechanical assembly, but again, this will be pretty simple. • You should document your work so you remember what you did. Often, we will build something, then take it apart and build something else. Photos are great, and so are written notes and diagrams. Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

12. What We Will Cover: Week 1 Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

13. What We Will Cover: Week 2 Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

14. Schedule Notes • There are some basic things we must cover, such as Arduino programming, Python, the basics of the boards, and so on • However, if the class has a consensus on an additional related topic, or expansion on some of the existing ones, I’m open to suggestions Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

15. Murphy’s Law • Anything that can go wrong will go wrong • Corollary: at the worst possible time • This course involves wiring, electronic parts, and software you didn’t write. Things will go wrong. Connections will come loose, chips will burn out, programs won’t work the way you think they should, and so on. This is all part of our craft. Don’t worry about it. Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction

16. Let’s Get Started! Embedded Programming and Robotics -- Introduction