Homework 1 - Introductory Topics

Due Friday, January 23, 2004, 9:30 am (in class)

NOTE: This assignment, like others in this class, is due at a particular time. This means that if you are even a minute late, you lose 20%. If you are worried about potentially being late, turn in your homework ahead of time. Do this by submitting it to me during office hours or by sliding it under my office door. Do not send assignments to me through email or leave them in my departmental mail box.

  1. What is a robot?

    1. Find the definition of the term "robot" given by a technical organization that deals with robots. Give that definition, along with a complete citation to it. Explain whether you think this definition accurately and thoroughly describes the robots we will be studying in this class.

    2. Find the definition of the term "robot" given in a dictionary not aimed at roboticists. Give that definition, along with a complete citation to it. Explain whether you think this definition accurately and thoroughly describes the robots we will be studying in this class.

    3. Explain whether you think the definition given by the technical organization is more or less complete and accurate than the one given by the dictionary.


  2. Autonomy

    1. List and explain three benefits to making robots more autonomous.

    2. List and explain three problems with making robots more autonomous.


  3. Feedback

    1. Explain whether you would consider a system that lacked feedback to be intelligent.

    2. Explain whether you would consider a system that lacked feedback to be autonomous.

    3. Explain whether you think the robots we will cover in this course will use "open loop" or "closed loop" control.


  4. Robot Care and Feeding

    1. List the charging modes in which you may leave the Handy Board indefinitely.

    2. List the charging modes in which you should NOT leave the Handy Board indefinitely.