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🧪 Labs Overview

**Your hands-on journey into robotics starts here!** *Weekly labs combine programming, simulation, and real robot programming*

🎯 Lab Structure

Two Types of Sessions

  • 🧪 Programming Studios (KEB 2111) - Software, simulation, theory
  • 🤖 Robot Labs (EAF 3119) - Real robot programming and testing

Weekly Schedule

  • Alternating format - Programming one week, robot work the next
  • Group-based - Work with classmates to solve problems
  • Progressive difficulty - Skills build week by week

📅 Lab Progression

Week Focus Type Location Key Skills
Week 1 Course Intro & Setup Setup KEB 2111 Environment, safety
Week 2 Ubuntu & Python Programming KEB 2111 Linux, Python basics
Week 3 ROS Introduction Programming KEB 2111 ROS fundamentals
Week 4 Gazebo & Python Programming KEB 2111 Simulation, matrices
Week 5 UR3e Robot Intro Robot EAF 3119 Robot operation
Week 6 Forward Kinematics Programming KEB 2111 DH parameters, FK
Week 7 No Lab - - Catch up week
Week 8 Inverse Kinematics Programming KEB 2111 IK algorithms
Week 9 No Lab - - Catch up week
Week 10 FK Lab Robot EAF 3119 Real robot FK
Week 11 IK Lab Robot EAF 3119 Real robot IK
Week 12-15 Final Project Both Both Vision-enabled pick & place

🚀 Getting Started with Labs

Before Your First Lab

  1. ✅ Complete safety training (required for robot access)
  2. 💻 Set up Ubuntu environment on your laptop
  3. 🐍 Install Python and basic packages
  4. 📚 Read pre-lab materials for the week
  5. 🔧 Bring laptop with required software

What to Expect Each Week

  • Pre-lab reading - understand concepts before arriving
  • In-lab exercises - hands-on problem solving
  • Group collaboration - work with classmates
  • TA support - help available during lab time
  • Post-lab work - complete any unfinished exercises

🏢 Lab Locations

KEB 2111 - Programming Studio

  • Building: KEB (Kim Engineering Building)
  • Room: 2111
  • Equipment: Computers, software, simulation tools
  • Activities: Programming, theory, simulation

EAF 3119 - Robot Lab

  • Building: EAF (Engineering Annex F)
  • Room: 3119
  • Equipment: UR3e robots, safety equipment, tools
  • Activities: Real robot programming, testing

📋 Lab Requirements

Equipment Needed

  • Laptop with Ubuntu installed
  • USB drive for Ubuntu boot (if needed)
  • Safety gear (provided in robot lab)
  • Notebook for taking notes

Software Requirements

  • Ubuntu 20.04 or later
  • Python 3.8+ with key packages
  • ROS Noetic (Robot Operating System)
  • Gazebo simulation environment
  • Git for version control

🎓 Lab Learning Objectives

Technical Skills

  • Programming: Python, ROS, simulation
  • Robotics: Kinematics, control, planning
  • Simulation: Gazebo, virtual testing
  • Hardware: Robot operation, safety

Professional Skills

  • Problem solving - tackle complex robotics challenges
  • Collaboration - work effectively in teams
  • Documentation - record your work and findings
  • Time management - complete labs efficiently

📚 Lab Materials

Where to Find Materials

  • This website - weekly lab pages with instructions
  • Lab-Code repository - all code, files, and resources
  • Canvas - assignments, due dates, submissions
  • Piazza - discussions, questions, clarifications

Lab Code Organization

labs/Lab-Code/
├── Week 1 Materials/          # Course intro
├── Week 2 - Ubuntu & Python/  # Environment setup
├── Week 3 - ROS/              # ROS introduction
├── Week 4 - Gazebo & Python/  # Simulation basics
├── Week 5 - UR3e Intro/       # Robot operation
├── Week 6 - Forward Kinematics/ # FK concepts
├── Week 8 - Inverse Kinematics/ # IK algorithms
├── Week 10 - Forward Kinematics Lab/ # Real robot FK
├── Week 11 - Inverse Kinematics Lab/ # Real robot IK
└── Final Project/              # End-of-semester project

🆘 Lab Support

During Lab

  • Teaching Assistant - available for technical help
  • Instructor - available for concept questions
  • Peers - collaborate with classmates
  • Documentation - use provided resources

Outside Lab Hours

  • Office hours - get help from TA or instructor
  • Piazza - ask questions and help others
  • Course website - review materials and instructions
  • Lab-Code repository - access all materials anytime

🏆 Lab Success Tips

Before Lab

  • Read materials thoroughly
  • Set up environment at home first
  • Prepare questions you want to ask
  • Arrive early to get settled

During Lab

  • Start early - don't wait for others
  • Ask questions when you're stuck
  • Help classmates - teaching reinforces learning
  • Document everything - notes help with post-lab work

After Lab

  • Complete exercises you didn't finish
  • Review concepts that were unclear
  • Prepare for next week - stay ahead
  • Submit deliverables on time

🔗 Quick Navigation

Current Week

Key Resources

**Ready to start building robots? Choose your week below! 🚀** [📋 Week 1 - Intro](week-01.md){ .md-button .md-button--primary } [🐧 Week 2 - Setup](week-02.md){ .md-button } [🔧 Week 3 - ROS](week-03.md){ .md-button } [🎮 Week 4 - Gazebo](week-04.md){ .md-button } [🤖 Week 5 - Robot](week-05.md){ .md-button }

Last updated: Fall 2025 • Back to Home