A social robotics experimental project

We have four small mobile hexapods. Each hexapod has almost no brain, but can communicate via radio with a PC, using a limited set of digital messages. The hexapods know how to move, and can detect obstacles and some kind of objects. We have four PCs, one for each hexapod (so each hexapod has a helping brain). The PCs are interconnected using the parallel port. We can assign a task for the team, for instance to explore a field. The PCs must work in a coordinated way, exchanging messages. The development of this experimental scenario has been the subject of several projects done by students involved in robotics and computer science. One of the aspects covered is the use of real time operating systems for the PCs to work together. Other aspects are related with mobile robotics and the behavior of insectoids. The general set-up has been completed recently, and a new project will start to accomplish a task and study the results. An object oriented simulation is also another new project, which will be validated against the experimental results. Every project must generate documentation for others to use it. In general, the idea is to establish an interesting challenge, with obvious results. The paper presents the main educational objectives, and describes the chief parts of the experimental set-up: robots and PCs, interconnection characteristics. Then, the paper focuses on the projects done and under way, with emphasis on the pedagogical impact.