Overview: This is an introductory, hands-on course that teaches the basics of electronics, circuit design, sensors, actuators, simple mechanical design, and microcontroller programming. We will discuss both low-level technical details that allow students to begin work in these areas, and high-level applications that demonstrate successful approaches to physical computing. We will emphasize media and arts applications such as real time interactive media performance, robotic installations, and tangible computer interfaces.

Prior knowledge in hardware/circuit design is NOT required for this course, but students are expected to have a basic familiarity with technology and programming that will allow them to pursue hardware tutorials, coursework, and research in an independent fashion. More experienced students are also encouraged to enroll, and will be able to pursue advanced work. Course assignments are project-based with an emphasis on implementation and realization of projects including new computer interfaces, robotic applications, haptics feedback, networked devices and more.

Class Schedule
August 22 Introduction and Basics of Electricity	Introductions overview logistics concepts transduction hardware power supply switches lights DC motor buzzer tools breadboard multimeter, voltage and resistance Assignment: Design and implement an innovative yet functional switch sensor and acuator for an everday purpose, due August 29
August 29 Components and Circuits	concepts serial vs. parallel Ohm's law schematic notation polarity hardware voltage regulator resistors capacitors LED's tools multimeter, resistance/capacitance implementation/resource links Jim Campbell, Ambiguous Icons (LED) works Resistance Calculator Discovery Circuits Assignment: Design and implement a dynamic lightshow with an LED array, due September 5
September 5 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY - no class Simple Bots - BEAM Bots	concepts capacitance and actuation hardware solar panel voltage detector implementation/resource links elf - electronic life forms by Pascal Glissmann, Martina Hoefflin Solarbotics.net, BEAM robotics community server Solarbotics.com, outlet to purchase BEAM bot supplies and info Ray's BEAM Bots BEAM Bots online
September 12 Simple Bots, continued	concepts capacitance and actuation tools soldering iron desoldering methods Assignment - build a BEAM bot DUE Sept. 19
September 19 Microcontroller Introduction	concepts integrated circuit design programming hardware Basic Stamp 'Board of Education' resource links Parallax
September 26 Sensors - touch	concepts variable resistance analog to digital conversion calibration hardware Force Sensing Resistors Capacitance sensors links Parallax Sensors
October 3 Sensors - motion	concepts digital input calibration hardware beam breaker Proximity sensors accelerometers links Parallax Sensors
October 10 Sensors - environment	hardware light sensors temperature sensors links Parallax Sensors
October 17 Actuators - servos and motors	concepts rotational force hardware servo DC motor implementation links LEMUR: League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots Assignment: Build a locomotive bot that responds to motion in its vicinity. Due: Nov 24
October 24 Actuators - motors and solenoids	concepts current load levers hardware motor driver IC's solenoids tools multimeter implementation links Trimpin, ConlonInPurple Chico McMurtrie and Amorphic Robot Works Assignment: Build a stationary, but motion making bot that responds to touch. Due: Oct 31
October 31 Actuators - visual and sound	concepts digital to analog conversion, 1-bit DAC serial communication hardware LCD display piezo speakers implementation links Transition Soundings Assignment: Build a melody making robot that responds to the environment. Due: Nov 7
Novermber 7 Computer I/O - wired	concepts data communication protocol hardware serial connection MIDI connection implementation links Interface live.electronic.music.video.dance.improvisation International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression [NIME] Assignment: Collaborative Class project, contribute to a modular physical interface to dynamic visual and sound art work. Due: Nov 21
November 14 Computer I/O - wireless	concepts wired vs. wireless pros and cons hardware RF transmitters/receivers Bluetooth implementation links Troika Ranch
November 21 Autonomous Design	concepts behavior based programming hardware advance microcontroller programming links Cambrian Intelligence: The Early History of the New AI by Rodney Brooks Flesh and Machines: How Robots Will Change Us by Rodney Brooks Fast, Cheap and Out of Control Assignment: Design and implement an evironmentally aware, behavioral robot. Due: Nov 28
November 28 Autonomous Design	concepts network intelligence network dynamics hardware micro -> micro communication implementation links (direct, serial) Crash and Bloom by douglas repetto Assignment: Class Project -> design a dynamic network of intelligent robots, Due: December 14
December 5 Autonomous Design	concepts robotic networks novel communication protocols implementation links Sustainable Light Motive
Wednesday, December 14, 2:40 - 4:30 final projects	final projects due

Required Materials:

Basic Stamp Discovery Kit (USB). Includes BS2 BOE, tutorials, and components that will be use in class and for class projects. Order directly from Parallax, $169 here. You'll also need a power supply for the kit that is $8 and can also be ordered from Parallax here. Please order this immediately to allow for shipping time.

Recommended Text:

Physical Computing by Dan o'Sullivan and Tom Igoe. We'll refer to this text frequently in class, and it's a great resource. However, you're not required to purchase the text and we'll keep a copy in the lab.

Grading:

Grade is a combination of class participation, progress in project work, and final project. Evaluation of projects will consider both technological and artistic progress.