A new engineering curriculum and kit based on robotics and hands-on lab exercises will help university students learn the fundamentals of analog and embedded-systems technology.
The TI Robotics System Learning Kit (TI-RSLK) is designed to inspire and prepare future generations of engineers by giving them a deep understanding of how electronic systems work and how to build comprehensive systems-level knowledge.
And it’s fun.
"I love watching kids jump up and down and shout like they’re at a championship game when their robots go around the track," said Jon Valvano, a University of Texas electrical and computer engineering professor who helped collaborate to develop the learning kit. "TI-RSLK is designed to energize, invigorate and motivate students. Along the way, they're learning the material deeply."
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Preparing tomorrow’s engineers
The TI-RSLK Maze Edition, the first in the series, is based on our SimpleLink™ MSP432P401R LaunchPad™ Development Kit and helps students learn the function and purpose of individual hardware components and how to integrate software. With that foundation, students can build their own functioning robot that can complete challenges and compete against other TI-RSLK robotic systems within a maze.
It comes with 20 learning modules. Each module includes lecture videos and lecture slides, lab exercises and demonstrative videos, downloadable code and sample projects, quizzes, and classroom activities. The kit and curriculum are fully customizable, which allows faculty members to choose how they integrate the modules into their classes. The kit can be used in a variety of engineering classes at any level along a student’s learning journey.
“With the TI-RSLK, students work in teams and use real-world engineering tools and design flows to solve problems – just as they would in the industry,” said Ayesha Mayhugh, a manager in our company’s University Program group. “Our hope is that all students feel equipped with a strong foundation in systems-level designs that sets them up well for future product designs.”
Through theory, practice and play, TI-RSLK prepares the engineers of tomorrow to thrive in a competitive professional landscape.
“Future engineers can’t push the boundaries of technology unless they first understand what the boundaries are,” said Peter Balyta, president of TI Education Technology and vice president of academic engagements and corporate citizenship. “I’m confident that as students gain a stronger understanding of how electronics systems work while in school, once in their career they will create the technologies of the future that will astound us all.”
Systems Learning From the Bottom Up
In her work, Ayesha has noticed that, despite the increase in hands-on projects, many students don’t understand the underlying principles and fundamentals of engineering. She has reached an important conclusion: "You can't hit the easy button for education."
TI-RLSK's curriculum solves for that gap in knowledge by enabling students first to understand the topic through step-by-step modules and then learn how it fits in a bigger system.
"I hope students figure out how to use this system in ways we never intended," Jon said. "I know I'm successful when students solve a more interesting problem than I ever anticipated."
Peter believes that the hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge provided by TI-RSLK will give students a great head start in their careers. "If they enter the workforce with an understanding of how the components of a product work together to create something useful, they'll be better engineers, better team members, better leaders and better innovators."