Robotics first: a mobile environment for robotics education

Resources in the robotics field are limited for a common user to access and demand deep knowledge of robot programmingparadigm, so it is not often possible for students to become familiar in a practical manner with the programming andcontrol of complex robotic systems. The aim of this new approach is to get high school students interested in theprogramming and control of robotic manipulators and to teach senior year students how to program control algorithmsand to control complex robotic systems by using remote access to the robotic laboratory and a programming method thatdoes not require deep knowledge of robot programming language. Additionally, the objective is to accomplish this aim byusing widespread and inexpensive devices such as smartphones and tablets. To achieve these objectives, we have developedRobotics First—an Android OS (operating system)—based environment for simulation and remote control of roboticmanipulators using mobile devices. The efficacy of Robotics First was evaluated from the point of view of 64 electricalengineering students, concerning its usability and usefulness.