RM introduces ED-E, a fully assembled, programmable humanoid robot. ED-E has been designed to help students engage with and enjoy ICT, and is the perfect partner for teaching physical modelling and control technology to students.
Students can easily relate to a humanoid robot and create real life actions using the software and on-screen tools. As well as investigating and adapting a wealth of ready-made movements for ED-E, pupils can be inspired to create their own on-screen actions too...
Having storyboarded a sequence of movements on-screen, pupils can then download them to the robot to see them come alive in 'real' life action! Have a look at the video to see ED-E perform.
ED-E gives a perfect stimulus to learn remote control, computer control, programming and modelling. As well as directly teaching control and modelling, ED-E can be used to support many cross-curricular activities involving, for example biology, physics, maths, dance, and media studies.
Programming
ED-E is controlled via 17 servo motors giving plenty of opportunity to introduce students to programming through the software and via the remote control. Students develop their experiences by learning to program a single servo and then several servos using the accompanying software.
Physics
ED-E has applications for teaching the concepts of centre of gravity, inertia and the physics of complex movement through modelling and experimentation. Modelling complex movement, such as the mechanics of walking and other general body movements is difficult without the use of a computer due to the many variables. Students can consider the location of pivots in a complex system, stability under the force of gravity, and inertia. Further applications include the investigation of Newton's laws through simulation and modelling.
Dance
ED-E is ideally suited for investigating Dance, especially choreography. With 17 servo motors the robot can mimic the human form more effectively than any other robot currently in the education market. Discussion points will arise from the movement of joints, transfer of weight, gravity and timings. Pupils can even download 90 seconds of their favourite music onto ED-E to use within their own custom dance moves!
Biology
ED-E provides a stimulating way to introduce the topics of joints, body movements and the skeleton in a fun and engaging way. The robot's actions can then be compared to human body movements and control.
Engineering/ Robotics
ED-E provides pupils with an opportunity to investigate pre-built robotic applications especially looking at accurate servo motors. Robotics forms an increasingly important part of manufacturing assembly processes. Robots are also used in hazardous working environments and ED-E can be used to demonstrate such systems in action.
Design Technology / Electronics
While the robot comes pre-assembled, there are opportunities for pupils to develop their own hardware add-ons and to expand their knowledge and understanding of systems and control. By adding additional components pupils can increase the DT capability of ED-E.
Mathematics
Every joint in the robot is controlled by angles creating opportunities in mathematics in the areas of geometry, shape and space.
Media Studies / Story Telling
As part of Media Studies pupils have to story board their productions. The accompanying software can support students in planning and "acting" out their productions.
Minimum System Requirements for Software
Operating System: Windows XP (Service Pack 2)/ Windows Vista (Service Pack 1)
Processor: Intel Pentium processor (or compatible), 1 GHz
Memory: 512MB RAM
Hard-disk space: 400MB
Interface: 1 x RS 232 serial port or 1 x USB 1.1
Video: DirectX 9 compatible XGA (1024x768) display card
Other: CD-ROM drive
Dimensions of the Robot
Length: 320 mm
Width: 147 mm
Height: 358 mm
Weight: 2.18 kg
