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Two Link Robotic Arm

 

Ratings

Overall Rating:

3.75 stars
Content Quality: 3.75 stars
Effectiveness: 3.5 stars
Ease of Use: 4.5 stars
Reviewed: Apr 29, 2009 by Engineering Editorial Board
Overview: This module provides a visual representation in the form of animation of the impact of changing parameters on the motion of two-link robotic arm under free-fall. This may be used in-class or by students individually to visually see the effects. This may be used in conjunction with a lecture that explains how to interpret the animation results. It requires extensive background information about the technical concepts in order to fully interpret and analyze the animation.
Learning Goals: Visualize the impact of changing parameters on the movement of a two-link robotic arm under free-fall
Target Student Population: Junior, Senior, Graduate EE and ME students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: Ability to use web, familiarity with computers, extensive technical knowledge to interpret the animation
Type of Material: Simulation.
Recommended Uses: In-class demonstration, Individual use
Technical Requirements: Tested on Firefox 3 and Safari 3.2.1

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating: 3.75 stars
Strengths: The ability to visualize the effects of changing parameters on the two-link arm in a free-fall is about the only feature of this module.
Concerns: This module can only serve as a visualization tool in a course dealing with physics, or robotics. Does not provide any sort of technical information baring the single page of 2 equations. Some more information/explanation about the technical aspects will definitely go a long way in making this more user-friendly

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating: 3.5 stars
Strengths: Introduction to Robotics. The ability to visualize the effect of changing parameters
Concerns: Doesn’t describe the objective, nor does it provide any background information. The module assumes prior knowledge and serves the sole purpose of visual representation.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating: 4.5 stars
Strengths: Excellent animation. Easy to use controls
Concerns: There seems to be an issue with refreshing the applet. The clear button didn’t do anything. Also, the animation is displayed below the yellow line too. It might be good to explain the parameters with respect to the animation. Maybe show a picture labeling the parameters. The links to Rod Grupen’s page and UMass page don’t work.

Other Issues and Comments: None.
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