Extending Low-Cost Linux Computers for Education and Applications in Embedded Control and Robotics

Abstract

This paper continues our Design Education paper from last year on the development of educational robotics kits based on credit-card-sized Linux computers. It describes in more detail the software architecture and some of the lessons learned working with embedded computers and the Linux open-source software environment. The theme is a consistent architecture that can be stretched from middle school through college to advanced field deployment applications. The desired outcome is insertion of advanced multithreaded control and software concepts into engineering education through applications that capture the interest and imagination of the next generation of mechatronics engineers.