Virtual Reality & Robotics Learning:
Ways To Enhance Laboratory Tasks
Objective
To create simulations of several undergraduate
level mechanical engineering labs by coding in
the Arduino open source software and Autodesk
Circuits 123D.
. Learn how to operate the physical Arduino Uno
Abstract
Simulations have recently been introduced into
the world of education and have proven to be a
valuable tool, benefiting instructors and students
alike. Teaching accompanied by simulations has
numerous benefits, especially in engineering,
where experiments are often tedious and require
more time to complete. Incorporating simulations
into the traditional engineering course allows
professors to delegate more work to be done
from home, where students can use virtual
laboratories to complete tasks. This development
enriches students education, as they are able to
retain more advanced information in the limited
time they spend in the classroom. Through my
internship, I gained practical experience in the
laboratory environment and learned the skills
necessary to complete the project. This project
aims to create simulations corresponding to the
labs completed in the Robots Sensors and
Actuators course in the Johns Hopkins University
Department of Engineering. The labs, which
focused on operating an Arduino microcontroller,
had to be rewritten in accordance to limitations of
Autodesk, the simulator used. After doing so, the
Arduino Uno was coded on the Autodesk
software in order to virtually recreate the labs.
These virtual experiments allowed students to
practice the procedures before attending class.
Students who did so completed the experiments
more quickly and with more ease than those who
did not. Thus, simulations can be implemented
into the classroom environment in order to
facilitate instruction and absorption of material.
Dora de Melo
Intern/Mentor GT
Procedure Learning Outcomes
Research key components taught in the Robots Sensors and Actuators Mechanical Engineering course The Intern/Mentor Program and my internship at
Understand the laboratory equipment available on site Johns Hopkins have taught me innumerable
Create an annotated source list to broaden knowledge of the virtual and physical components and the possible lessons.
applications of the equipment
From classroom instruction, I have learned how
Practice coding simple Arduino projects in order to become comfortable with the language to create my own website to showcase my
Utilize Autodesk Circuits 123D in order to understanding how to virtually simulate the experiments experience in the best manner possible. I have
Establish a project proposal in order to specify the steps to be taken and the final product also been exposed to several research skills that
Specify which lab experiments will be simulated I foresee myself utilizing throughout my collegiate
Determine what methods will be used to produce the simulations experience, including how to locate sources,
Practice coding beginner level projects on Autodesk Circuits 123D in conjunction with the Arduino Uno in order to create an annotated bibliography, and formulate
establish a strong foundation a project proposal.
Code the final projects
Verify that all codes were written properly and are functional At my internship, I was exposed to the inner-
Create a display board to present the process and outcomes workings of a collegiate undergraduate
laboratory. I learned how experiments were
created and how equipment was operated.
Furthermore, I was able to develop my own
programming skills by learning how to operate
the Arduino and AutoDesk Simulator software. I
successfully created several simulations of labs
that are performed with physical equipment in
class. These virtual experiments will serve as a
tool to facilitate students experiences when they
complete the labs in class. This process allowed
me to better understand the basics of mechanical
engineering. Additionally, I was also able to
experience what it is like to work in a
Figure 1: Arduino Circuit Stepper Figure 2: Laboratory Space Figure 3: The Harmon Electronic professional environment, an opportunity that
Motor Controller w/ LEDs Neuron Model
has increased my awareness and knowledge of
how to behave in such an environment.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my mentor, Professor
Kraemer, PhD, for giving me this opportunity and
for his patience and guidance throughout the
process. I would also like to thank Mrs. Bagley
for her personal support and dedication to the
Intern Mentor Program. I would also like to thank
my parents for their encouragement and
assistance.
Figure 4: Example Simulation Process
Contact Information
Dora de Melo
Centennial High School
dorademelo@gmail.com
dorademelo.weebly.com