Computers Interacting with the Real World

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We propose to create a Laboratory for Undergraduates in Computer Science where students will be exposed to programming issues in a variety of real world problems. The Laboratory will give students a basic understanding of real time programming, distributed systems, communication, simulation, and graphics by exposing the students to applications in robotics, computer vision, and 3D modeling. Students will gain leadership skills and experience with project teams by going beyond textbook exercises in areas such as computer hardware, interfaces, distributed systems, communication, and real-time control. The Laboratory will be used both for independent projects for undergraduates and for assignments in specific courses, from the sophomore year through the senior year, including senior and honors projects. The Laboratory will have a major impact on the quality of Computer Science education by giving students access to state of the art equipment they would not otherwise see until they find employment. As has happened with recent improvements in our curriculum, this Lab will have a major impact in higher education throughout the State of Minnesota. We envision this Laboratory as a collection of reconfigurable workcells, each equipped with cameras, manipulators, and other specialized devices, where students can conduct a large variety of experiments. Equipment will be standardized to simplify the reconfiguration of the workcells and for ease of maintenance. We will acquire off-the-shelf equipment that can be used in different combinations for a large collection of projects. This will increase the flexibility in the use of the Lab and will easily accommodate student initiated projects.