Proposal

Narrative

This project proposes to use Unitree Go2 EDU robotic dog platforms to create an exciting learning environment that fosters deeper engagement and innovation. Introduction of robots and robotic platforms in the undergraduate programming courses leads to increased engagement and improved outcomes. This is well documented and supported by studies [1-5]. Working with robots gives students firsthand experience with the challenges, rewards, and frustrations of systems development and integration. Witnessing their implementation in action offers students a unique sense of motivation and empowerment. To succeed, students must engage in teamwork, abstraction, complexity management, design, debugging, testing, and basic project management. This project is envisioned as a starting point in redesigning undergraduate courses for developing broad skills and computational thinking early in the curriculum. Robots offer a wealth of opportunities for applying creative and analytical thinking to real-world problems. Proposed utilization of relatively large and expensive robots is a novel element in the implementation of robot-based programming education. Instead of opting for the relatively cheap and small robotic platform, I think that an experience with the professional quadruped has dual advantage: - Students will have the impression that they are working on a serious project that is closer to the real-world scenarios, compared to the small robotic platform which is sometimes associated with toys. - Students will get a unique chance to work with a robot that is not widely available. Hands-on experience with relatively expensive robots gives students a unique opportunity to add differentiating skills to their resume. This is an especially important opportunity for the underrepresented groups of students.

Facilities

Hardware Requirements

The proposed project will purchase 6 Unitree Go2 EDU robotic platforms.

Software Requirements

No additional software requirements. The platforms come with the software needed. Opensource python packages and C++ libraries will be used to make the platform usable for programming assignments and projects in classrooms.

Personnel Costs

two GTAs for two years toto help develop and integrate the curriculum using the robotic platform. Stipend of GTA, 20hrs/week, for 1 year: $20K Tuition of GTA per year: $7,500

Other Costs

No other costs

Timeline

Spring 2025: purchase the initial set of three Unitree Go2 Pro EDU Quadrupeds (robotic dogs) Summer and Fall 2025: Develop the platform for use in classroom Spring and Summer 2026: Pilot robot use in one section of CEN 3062 Intro to Software Design. Purchase two platforms to scale up usage. Fall 2026: Expand the use of the platform to multiple sections of COP 3410C and COP 3530C Spring 2027: Purchase one additional robotic platform to meet larger student usage as we expand use.

Sustainability

Once the project is deployed, EECS department and the College of Engineering will support with maintenance costs. GTAs assigned to the class will be trained to use the robotic platforms in classes.

Resource Matching

The EECS department will provide the additional TAs needed to support this robotic platform use in the class.

Implementing Organization

This project will be implemented by the Department of Electrical Enginering and Computer Science