module specification

This module aims to introduce basic hardware and software elements relevant to robotics and internet of things (IoT) at foundation level (level 3). In particular, the module is designed to provide students with an introductory overview and practical experience in design and development of a simple system involving elements of robotics and IoT.

The module covers the necessary principles and theory through formal lectures/seminars followed by comprehensive laboratory practice involving workshop-based exercises and a case study.

Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things and basic components. Basic electrical principles underpinning robotics and internet of things (IoT): electrical conductance, conductors and insulators, how to check continuity, ohms law, potential dividers, analogue and digital signals, ADCs and sampling, magnets and electromagnetism, digital communications principles and protocols

Essential electronic components for robotics and internet of things: resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, buffers, batteries, voltage regulators and other relevant devices

Selected sensors for internet of things and actuators for robotics: Thermistors, LDRs, LEDs, buzzers, solenoids and DC motors

Laboratory skills and safety: use of laboratory and prototyping equipment such as a multimeter, solderless breadboards; safety in electronics workshops: dangers of high voltages, electrical shocks and  fires, dealing with emergencies

Introduction to circuit simulator for modelling, integrated development environment for an IoT enabled target system and robotics

LSEP: legal, social, ethical and professional issues in context of robotics and Internet of Things

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO5

Students will develop understanding and practical investigative skills based on weekly lectures, tutorials and supervised workshops.  The teaching sessions will utilise examples/case studies as a platform for understanding basic principles related to the module.

The workshops, in particular, are provided to support students in gaining practical experience in effective use electronic equipment and simulation tools, within a dedicated laboratory.

Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE, simulation tools and laboratory equipment will be used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular, to:
• deliver content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning experience.

Students will be encouraged to keep reflective commentaries on their learning activities and tasks that they carry out to complete their work.

Students are expected and encouraged to work individually and in groups to implement solutions for their laboratory exercises and case study.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

LO1:  demonstrate  basic knowledge, principles, methods and techniques used in the areas of internet of things and robotics;
LO2:  acquire a basic understanding of electronic components, sensors and actuators required in design and developments of a simple system involving elements of robotics and IoT;
LO3:  conduct themselves in a safe and professional manner in a laboratory  workshop environment and develop basic laboratory skills such as measurement of voltage, resistance and current and bread-boarding
LO4:  demonstrate design and simulation/modelling techniques involving a target system and appropriate integrated development environment (IDE);
LO5:  appreciate and understand related legal, social, ethical and professional issues in context to robotics and Internet of Things

Short formative multiple-choice tests before the formal summative the class test may be conducted to prepare students for the summative class test. Class test covers basic principles and technical theory behind electronic components and systems.

Coursework for this module is a Practical Portfolio which may include record of the laboratory exercises in form of a logbook, case study poster/report, artefact, viva, class test etc. depending on the size of the class and available resources. Laboratory logbook helps students to reflect on their experiments which are closely linked with the materials covered in the formal lectures on a regular basis. It also serves as a reference when they encounter technical issues while implementing their case study.

During laboratory sessions students have opportunity for one to one interaction and feedback on their practical work as well as laboratory safety and LSEP issues.

Consistent with University policy, formative and summative feedback will be provided at various points throughout the academic year.

Core Texts:
• Paul Scherz, Simon Monk (2016), Practical Electronics for Inventors, McGraw-Hill Education, ISBN-13: 978-1259587542
• Gordon Mccomb (2018), Robot Builders Bonanza, McGraw-Hill Education, ISBN-13: 978-1260135015
• Arshdeep Bahga,Vijay Madisetti (2015), Internet of Things: A Hands-On Approach, Universities Press, ISBN-13: 978-8173719547

Other Texts:
• Charles Platt (2015), Make: electronics, Maker Media, ISBN: 1680450247
• Michael Margolis (2013), Make an Arduino-controlled robot, O'Reilly, ISBN: 9781449344351
• Tom Igoe (2011), Making things talk, O'Reilly, ISBN: 9781449317560
• Massimo Banzi and Michael Shiloh (2014), Make: getting started with Arduino, Maker Media, ISBN: 1449363318
• William Stallings (2014), Wireless communications & networks, Pearson, ISBN: 9781292055527
• Neil Storey, Electronics: A Systems Approach, Pearson, ISBN-13: 978-1292114064
• Tom Duncan (1997), Electronics for today and tomorrow, John Murray, ISBN: 0-7195-7413-7

Weblearn Reading List:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/1E64937D-713D-EB45-EE0A-0DB68C093E1E.html?embed=1&lang=en-GB&login=1

Journals:
Every Day Practical Electronics: http://www.epemag3.com/index.html  [CORE]
Elektor Labs: https://www.elektor.com/labs/
IEEE transactions on robotics: http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1931930~S
IEEE World Forum on Internet of Things (WF-IoT): http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1993364~S1
New Electronics : http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/digital-magazine/
Nuts and Volts: https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine  (Optional)
Electronics for You: https://grab.electronicsforu.com/collections/grab-magazines/products/efy-magazine-subscription  (Optional)

Websites:
https://www.arduino.cc/
https://virtuino.com/

Electronic Databases:
Londonmet Library: https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/library/
IEEE Xplore: http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1572993~S1

Social Media Sources: N/A

Other: www.lynda.com

Michael Lehman (2014), Programming the Internet of Things with Android, Lynda.com
http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1784440~S1

Margaret Fisher (2015), Up and Running with Arduino, Lynda.com
http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1785079~S1