Using Lego EV3 to explore robotic concepts in a laboratory

Abstract

During a recent massively open online course (MOOC) introducing robotics, a young student questioned the skills required to gain employment. The resounding response was the need for multiple disciplines that typically included mechatronics, software, mechanical and electrical/electronics engineering. Unfortunately the growing community of enthusiasts and keen observers are often constrained by the lack of science technology engineering and math (STEM) skills. LEGO Mindstorms may be a toy, but it does cater for enthusiasts and is increasingly being used to support STEM initiatives. Because of its low cost and availability, it was used to demonstrate the final solution in the MOOC course. This raises the question about how useful LEGO can be used to explore robotic concepts in a laboratory. The MOOC course shows it can be used to enhance conceptual learning for the uninitiated (enthusiast, interested observer, undergraduate, post-graduate and even those being integrated within the domain).