Development of an environment for robot programming seamless between a real robot and simulation inside/outside a classroom

Abstract

On exercises of robot programming, it is important to test a program, analyze its behavior and improve the program. However, it is difficult to prepare a robot for each student and allow students to use robots except in class. We have developed an environment for exercises of robot programming, where students can seamlessly test their program both on a real robot and on simulation without adapting the program. The environment is implemented as a live DVD, which students can use on any PC without installation processes. Since it brings the same environment as that in classrooms, students can do exercises outside classrooms according to their progress. Some students can catch up on their exercise and motivated students can perform additional trial and error. We show effectiveness of the environment by a questionnaire survey.