Academic project encourages the construction of robots using programming.

On the morning of June 20th, first-semester students from the Computer Engineering and Production Engineering courses at ESEG – Faculdade do Grupo Etapa – gathered to present their line-following AGV (automated guided vehicle) robot prototypes. The presentations were final projects for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Initiatives 1 courses.

According to Professor Gedeane Kenshima, throughout the semester's classes, the basic concepts for robot programming were covered, and the chassis was designed and its parts integrated. To build the line-following mobile robot, the students used Arduino technology, reflective optical sensors, a battery, and DC motors, in addition to all the infrastructure available at [the university/institution]. LITE (Technological Innovation Laboratory) of ESEG.

For freshmen, experimental classes become even more attractive and special. "A project at the beginning of the course provides the integration between theory and practice that the student needs, in addition to enabling greater interaction among classmates, the application of knowledge, and the flexibility that is necessary to have in the face of difficulties encountered," explains the professor.

In the first semester, ESEG students study the basic concepts of the Internet of Things and Information Security right from the first classes. Following that, they cover programming and electronics, using the Arduino platform for project development: using a multimeter, reading resistors, the programming environment, basic programming commands, and using sensors, LEDs, buttons, and motors.

Gedeane talks about the importance of practical projects in the classroom. “Especially in technology and engineering courses, contact with practical experience is fundamental for the student's academic and professional life, because in the job market they will encounter diverse situations and work in teams. Furthermore, learning becomes more interesting. Seeing the student's joy when the project works is very rewarding,” she says.

The students presented their car-shaped robots. The task was to follow a line marked on the floor, using the pre-existing programming in the vehicle and based on the instructions given by the teacher in class. All groups presented their projects and were able to share with their classmates the difficulties, successes, and lessons learned from the activity. 

What can be expected for the next semester? More hands-on activities. Gedeane explains that in the IoT2 (Internet of Things 2) course, there is a plan to develop a project using Wi-Fi, which could be a continuation of these robots or even the construction of something completely different. "We will certainly resume the projects in the next academic term," concludes the professor.