Ambient Intelligence Fabalab

Introduction to Physical Computing (PhyComp)

Instructors : Maxime Besacier (main contact), Didier Donsez, David Eon, Olivier Richard, Sophie Chareyron, Jean-Michel Molenaar

Organisation : 60 h

Code APOGEE : PPSTI301 (Main presentation of the BSP

Lecture / tutorials / homeworks / lab and company visits (LIG Domus, CCSTI's fablab, Orange Labs' thinging fablab, CEA HOMES show room, Schneider Electrics Montbonnot Unit)

Prerequisites : Elementary notions of programming and electronics. Notions in C or Java languages are appriciated but not mandatory.

Topics: Computer Sciences, Electronic, Instrumentation

Physical computing (PhyComp) focuses on interactions with the physical world using a variety of sensors and actuators that are controlled by microcontrollers and computers. An important feature is that developers are not usually specialists of embedded and ubiquitous computing. This results in development tools that emphasize the simplicity of programming and developing these types of applications.

The Arduino project is a prime example of this movement. It offers both an experimental board, built around a low cost microcontroller with a few input-output ports, and an integrated development environment that simplifies its usage. This board is now extensively used in a large array of contexts, including: rapid prototyping, testing and education around physical computing.

This module introduces the technical aspects of development with the Arduino platform and presents the user community that has grown around it. It offers an opportunity to gain experience on the Arduino platform by prototyping physical computing applications with a mix of sensors and actuators including making the things shells in a fablab using laser cutters, 3D printer, ... (see pictures below).

Program Summer 2012 (Summer 2013 : coming soon)

Part I : Basics in theoretical and practical electronics

Instructors: Sophie Chareyron, David Eon, Maxime Besacier

Duration : 4 hours

Location: Polytech Grenoble

All you need to know to start in electronics !

Part II : Introduction to Physical Computing with Arduino

Arduino + LCD

Haptic Glove v0.1

Homebrew Arcade Pad

Instructor: O. Richard

Duration: 16 hours

Location: Polytech Grenoble

Dedicated page: Introduction to Physical Computing

Introduction Physical Computing
- Definition, Principles and Examples
- Presentation Arduino Project in brief
  - Arduino Board, Environment
  - Arduino Language
- Practicals: First Arduino Board Use

Components of Physical Computing
- Microcontroller in brief
- Sensors and Actutors
- Arduino Language:
  - Variable, Control Structure
  - Input/Ouput Operations
  - More about Language
- Practicals: Second Arduino Board Use

Communication: Computer - Arduino
- Serial, Bluetooth, Xbee (with Android phone)
- Language for Computer: Processing
- Practicals: Advanced cicuits

Part III : Robotic with Arduino

Magician Chassis for robotic arduino

Instructors : Sophie Chareyron, David Eon, Maxime Besacier

Duration: 16 hours

Location: Polytech Grenoble

Basics in Robotics
Motors driving (power electronics)
Object detection (interfacing sensors)
Programming of robot’s behaviors : path following, Labyrinth exploration, ...
Communication between robots (IrDA, zigbee, bluetooth)
Student project (by group of two) : Design and realization of an autonomous mobile robot based on the Magician Chassis

Part IV : Introduction to Fablab (Factory Laboratory)

Fablab logo

Makerbot'Thing-o-Matic 3D printer

Laser cutter in action

Instructor: Jean-Michel Molenaar

Duration: 8 hours (one morning, one afternoon)

Location: CCSTI Grenoble

Introduction : What is a "Fablab" (Factory Laboratory)?
Visit of the CCSTI Expo on Fablab
Introduction to the lab, the machines and the tools : laser cutters, vinyl cutter, CNC mill, reprap, 3D printers.
Class on digital construction (CAD / CAM)
Designing / cutting / adapting / expending of robot Magician Chassis.
‘Homework’ : design a snap fit construction kit

Review of homework
Cutting / milling of kits
Construction
Evaluation / ideas for new projects / possible uses

Part V : Visits of Enterprises' research labs

Orange Labs's visit

Instructor: Didier Donsez, Maxime Besacier

Duration: 4 half-days

Location: Grenoble' area

June 19th morning. INRIA Rhône-Alpes Montbonnot (Senslab, Unmanned ground vehicle, Robotic wheelchair), Meeting point : Polytech Grenoble' Cafeteria at 08:00
June 21st afternoon. Orange Labs' thinging fablab, Polytech Grenoble' Cafeteria at 13:30
July 12th morning. Schneider Electrics Montbonnot Center, Meeting point : Polytech Grenoble' Cafeteria at 08:00
LIG Domus (pending)
July 6th morning : CEA Show room with Maxime Besacier, Meeting point : Minatec
others to be confirmed