TeachBot : an education system workforce development

The shortage of skilled workers who can use robots and advanced technology is a crucial issue hampering the growth of manufacturing industries. We present a new type of workforce training system using a collaborative robot and online learning system for expanding the user base of robots. TeachBot is a robotic instructor that delivers a series of lectures stored on an online learning site. TeachBot is also a demonstration machine that can perform spatial movements and physically interact with learners. By synergistically integrating instructions, demonstrations, and physical interactions, TeachBot creates a unique teaching methodology that is intuitive and easy to follow. A broad population of learners including youth, older workers, and people with no engineering training can be engaged and learn otherwise challenging materials. Modern brain and neuromotor control research proves that effective learning takes place when the learner simultaneously interacts with and observes an embodiment of new knowledge. We apply these findings to teaching a variety of concepts, including the principle of shaft encoders and feedback control. Learners push a joint of the TeachBot arm and observe signals coming from the encoder while feeling a restoring force feedback action. Learning by Touching enhances learning effectiveness. A pilot human subject test is conducted, and encouraging results are obtained.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Ng, Jerry,(Mechanical engineering scientist)Massachusetts Institute o Technology.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• H. Harry Asada.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• MIT theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed, downloaded, or printed from this source but further reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/122114

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/122114