Abstract:

With the rapid development of new technologies in the world is a growing need for professionals equipped with knowledge and skills to solve many times challenges and problems. Teachers and students are increasingly looking for practical, sustainable and cost-effective approaches that help engage young people and maintain their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through the implementation of new innovative methods in the educational process. The most flexible element of the whole Industry 4.0 concept is the robot. The use of robots is a key factor in automating production, increasing labor productivity, improving quality and reducing work harmful to the human body. Robotic systems are currently one of the most important areas of innovation in production lines and production systems. The best example is the automotive industry, which today uses the true essence of the word “robot”. However, this is not the only sector where this kind of modernization appears. Education is one of the areas on which artificial intelligence has a particularly positive effect in connection with robotics. The robot itself can also be used as a teaching aid, but it can also be the subject of various projects, e.g. teaching the basics of programming using the Arduino microcontroller, Raspberry Pi, etc. In the process of creating a simulation model, a virtual robotized workplace is designed and the final product of the simulation design is the generation of a program for a real robot. In this way of understanding, robots can be valuable learning tools, if properly implemented in the educational process, in order to achieve the best possible results. This is one of the reasons why in recent years some manufacturers, including DOBOT, have begun to focus on the production of educational robots and accessories representing real components used in the manufacturing sector to improve the development of students' skills and abilities to support the educational process in this field. The article deals with the use of the educational robot Dobot and accessories in teaching students. The technical solution offers a number of arm applications with the possibility of developing programming knowledge to control robotic arms, e.g. python programming. Equipment using the latest technology is available directly from the manufacturer and it is not necessary to spend a lot of time searching and selecting compatible components. The basic accessories include a set of grippers, a laser engraving head, a head for 3D printing, a set for writing and drawing as well as a belt conveyor and a linear rail. Additional modules for further programming and increasing students' skills in working with the robotic arm are enabled by an Arduino microcontroller in the programming set "Arduino Kit" and a package used to implement machine vision of the robot "Robot Vision Kit", which will be described in more detail in this article. The programming of educational robots itself is a form of assembling various blocks or modules. These modular solutions of work robotic lines offer a direct response to the workforce and the needs of industry. Students will increase their interest in these innovative information technologies thanks to the opportunity to try the solution and work creatively on new ones with a direct transition to the requirements of practice, which is the content of this paper.

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence; Simulation; Education; Programming; Innovative information technologies.