Work-in-Progress: Using Nano Drone and RaspberryPi to Teach Robotics and Programming in Online Undergraduate Course
Chris Janke, Yuetong Lin · 2024
This work-in-progress paper emphasizes the use of two distinct hardware components as educational tools to achieve specific learning objectives in computer programming and aerial robotics. In the UNSY 329 - Uncrewed Systems Computation and Programming course at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the faculty introduced the Raspberry Pi 400 alongside the DJI Tello Edu nano drone. The teaching of programming concepts was facilitated through the use of a Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE) on the Raspberry Pi, providing undergraduate students with a tangible representation of command execution in a script-based programming language. This approach allowed students to gain practical experience in using programming for drone control and navigation. By leveraging these hands-on tools, the course effectively integrated fundamental computer programming concepts with real-world applications of robotics technology, demonstrated through the operation of a compact uncrewed aircraft system. Additionally, this method included instructing students in the development and adaptation of algorithms for managing movement and flight operations.