Learning Robotics through Developing A Virtual Robot Simulator in Matlab

Abstract

Due to the expensive nature of an industrial robot, not all universities are equipped with areal robots for students to operate. Learning robotics without accessing to an actual robotic system has proven to be difficult for undergraduate students. For instructors, it is also an obstacle to effectively teach fundamental robotic concepts. Virtual robot simulator has been explored by many researchers to create a virtual environment for teaching and learning. This paper presents structure of a course project which requires students to develop a virtual robot simulator. The simulator integrates concept of kinematics, inverse kinematics and controls. Results show that this approach assists and promotes better students" understanding of robotics.