This course is about connecting computers to the physical world. We are all used to connecting ourselves to computers, for example via keyboard, mouse, monitor, and touch screen. However, many creative computing applications require a computer to connect to the physical world via other sensors (buttons, dials, thermometers, distance sensors, gps, pressure sensors, accelerometers, light sensors, …) and actuators (motors, steppermotors, servo’s, leds, lcd’s, electrical appliances, …). Typical application domains where computers sense and act in the physical world are robotics, tactile interaction, home automation and interactive installations.
Arduino
This course introduces physical computing and interfacing via the Arduino open-source hardware platform. Arduino’s are inexpensive and popular micro-controller boards. Students learn to build their own Arduino board and must then apply it in a creative computing project — they must build an interactive installation or robot. Read more about Arduino at www.arduino.cc.
The course takes a very hands-on approach. Examination is through project work. Reading materials are supplied in class.
Students
Media Technology students
Method of instruction
Lectures and self study
Number of classes
6 × 3 hours class
Examination
Student projects