Virtual Robot Kinematic Learning System: A New Teaching Approach

Abstract

Computer assisted learning systems for robotics can assist students to understand topics on robot modeling, direct and inverse kinematics, join motions, trajectories, and also workspace limitations. This paper presents a virtual robotic kinematic learning system as a new teaching approach of robotics class which will assist and promote better students’ understanding of robotics. From the virtual system’s interface, basic structure and movement of Cartesian, Cylindrical, Spherical and Articulated robot can be visualized. The transformation matrix exercises allow students to write down the formula of translation and rotation matrix and then see the movements of the virtual robot based on the input. In this virtual system, a Lynxmotion Arm Robot was used to teach kinematics for the manipulator movement using Denavit Hartenberg representation. The system is developed using Unity 3D for the animation and for the calculation of robot kinematic, C-Sharp and Java script programming language were used. The system will be evaluated with the students to determine its effectiveness in providing a new teaching approach.