Robot Parade! Computer Science 91/42 with Professor Steve Swanson
·6 min
The episode features Professor Steve Swanson explaining CSC 91, a class called Robot Parade for designing and building robots. It is targeted at brand new freshmen in their first quarter at UCSD. The goal is to provide hands-on experience in the Maker Studio with real-world building and programming. For the first four weeks, students work with pre-built robots that have features like LED arrays, speakers, and driving capabilities. They learn basic robotics skills such as driving and programming. In the next two weeks, they switch to robots with sensors, grippers, and other advanced components. After six weeks of training, students design their own robots using software developed by Swanson's lab. This software simplifies electronics for those without experience. The robots are manufactured, then assembled and programmed over the following weeks. The class concludes with a big party where all robots drive around and interact. Swanson anticipates about 40 student-built robots, plus some pre-built ones, totaling 50-60 robots. He expresses uncertainty about potential destruction due to the large number. The class is designed to be accessible to anyone with no skills required. It is taught in parallel with CSC 11, an introductory programming course. The programming in CSC 91 is matched to align with what students learn in CSC 11. This integration ensures a cohesive learning experience. The episode emphasizes practical, project-based learning from the start of college. It highlights the Maker Studio as a key environment for hands-on activities. Swanson's approach focuses on easing beginners into robotics through structured progression. The final robot parade serves as a celebratory and potentially chaotic culmination of the course.
