Integrating Machine Learning with MATLAB and Simulink in an Introductory Robotics Class

The use of FPGA has brought a new dimension to classroom activities. One can configure a system-on-chip (SoC) to boot Linux or use it as platform to launch Simulink logic models. At Northeastern University, Electrical and Computer engineering students need to take a class titled Embedded Design: Enabling Robotics. The course’s objective is to introduce students to the basic fundamentals of computer engineering. The authors decided to come up with a project in an effort to tie this class with an introductory concept of Machine Learning using MATLAB and Simulink models synthesized on a ZedBoard development board running Xilinx Zynq SoC. The paper talks about our approach in doing so for students who have little background in programming. The authors hope that this project would attract and retain students in the area of Electrical and Computer engineering program