Abstract:

Humanoids (Robots) are increasingly used in education. Today, mainly students studying computer sciences or other engineering subjects learn how to program and use these robots. We have developed and realized a course for students studying media-production and -technology using Humanoids in combination with other media technologies. We are using the robots as a feature for projects in the area of “show design”.

We present our first experiences as a case study in our paper. We introduce our intended learning outcomes and describe our didactical ideas. We comment on our course structure and describe materials used in the course.

After completing the course students have developed a story line. They know how to structure a story and create a storyboard to visualize their main creative ideas. Students can control a robot using a graphical interface. They have integrated different types of media as a part of their show design. Students have presented their results and reflected about the outcome of their projects.

We used different didactical methods when we implement the course. These methods include project based learning, practices and present and review.

The course is structured in different four main phases. In the first phase, we introduce technologies used. Students realize prepared experiments to understand, how to make use of the different technologies. We focus on robot control and sound and light design. In the second phase of our course, students learn how to create a story line integrating different media effects and technologies. In the third phase students realize a project integrating a humanoid robot and other media technologies in the area of show design. In the last phase of our project students present their results and reflect on the results.

Students are using different tools to design the show content. A program to choreograph movements is used to control the robot. Students can integrate python modules and extend the functionalities of the applications. In addition different software packages are used to create sound and lighting effects.

We recognize that students are attracted by humanoids. Students of media technology integrate humanoids into show design. We discuss learnings and working environments in our paper.

Keywords:

Humanoid Robots, Pepper, Show Design.