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Robotics REU in Undergraduate Engineering Research Dr. Wei (Vivien) Shi , Dr. Devin Berg , Dr. Cheng Liu , Dr. Cayte Anderson     Department of Engineering and Technology, Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute   University of Wisconsin-Stout Another team applied the iRobot Create 2 Abstract Research Activities development platform to implement wireless technology with robotics to assist the blind. The The Robotics REU program funded by National The REU program provides students opportunity Bluetooth technology was used to communicate Science Foundation (NSF) brings together a to gain valuable research training in (1) robotics between the robot and an android smartphone dynamic and creative group of undergraduates and control system design, (2) assistive application. from UW-Stout and regional universities to create technology and vocational rehabilitation, for an interdisciplinary research site at UW-Stout. helping people with injuries and disabilities find employment and improve their independent living opportunities. Introduction and Objectives Individuals who are elderly or have a disability The REU program collaborates with Stout require novel approaches for communicating Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI) to efficiently with robotic-assisted services in their create interdisciplinary research and innovative living environments and even unstructured professional development. Students study the environment with safety and reliability. Our advances in the design of human-interactive design of such systems is focused on cost assistive robots, and apply robots in enhancing effectiveness, ease of control, and safe Figure 4. iRobot Development for the Blind. the quality of life for people with disabilities and operation, in order to enhance the autonomy and the elderly. independence of such individuals, minimizing at the same time the necessity for a caregiver. Outreach Activities Long term, we hope to create an extensive social network of students who have participated in A semi-autonomous robot has been developed 1. Science, Technology and Engineering Preview REU research, gone on to graduate education, using the Kinova JACO robot arm and tested Summer (STEPS) and pursued a career in this field. The main with both able bodied users and an individual 2. STEM Camp objectives of this REU effort are to: with an upper extremity disability. Users consistently expressed their preference for this (1) Increase participation in interdisciplinary autonomous meal assistance system over research by first-generation, female, manually controlling the robot. They found mode underrepresented minority students, and switching confusing and frustrating using the persons with disabilities. joystick, and the robotic meal assistance system (2) Empower students to pursue graduate relieves those switches and simplifies the education and prepare them for success in feeding process. graduate and professional engineering programs. (3) Generate and share new knowledge regarding Figure 5. REU Participants in Outreach Activities. the practical applications of robots in assistive technology, manufacturing engineering, Conclusion computer engineering, and mechanical design. This work offers significant intellectual Targeted Student Participants contributions by improving student learning and development in response to research experiences, Our primary target population includes creating innovative approaches to manage the underrepresented groups (women, minorities, training and professional development of students and persons with disabilities), and first- and faculty in interdisciplinary research, and generation (FG) college students. The REU site understanding the advances in the design of provides research opportunities for students Figure 2. JACO Robot Arm. human-interactive assistive robots, and the from academic institutions without an extensive robotics application in enhancing the quality of life robotics infrastructure, and to enable them to Also, a navigation system that can be integrated for people with disabilities and the elderly. Our both successfully compete for graduate into a wheelchair has been developed by our efforts at synthesizing different research projects positions and bring back robotics “culture” to REU participant and faculty to improve steering centered on a unifying theme will improve our their home institutions. We work with Stout capabilities. The wheelchair limits undesirable effectiveness in collaborative problem solving and McNair Scholars program to attract paths, can give the user the freedom to choose in teaching undergraduates an interdisciplinary underrepresented students, and provide a series which route to take. approach to research, and furthermore encouraging of workshop and research training activities that them to continue their pursuit in engineering and help students have a complete research STEM field. experience at the REU and prepare them for graduate school. Acknowledgement This research was supported by the National Science Foundation NSF CNS Award # 1560219 and NSF CNS Award # 1531700. REU Website and Social Network 1. Robotics REU Website: http://www.uwstout.edu/robotreu/ 2. Robotics REU Facebook: Figure 1. Robotics REU Undergraduate Researchers and Figure 3. Wheelchair Navigation System. https://www.facebook.com/Stout.Robotics.REU/ Faculty in 2016 Summer.