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SWARM is a two day workshop conceptualized around Wireless Communication by ThinkLABS. The participants will learn about the emerging technologies like Wireless Communication, Swarm Robotics, and Microcontroller Programming in this workshop. Along with this the participants will also be able to build an Autonomous Grid-solving Robot. This two day workshop will cover various practical activities along with the theoretical concepts covered throughout the sessions. The activities will be performed with the programmable research platform specially designed by ThinkLABS. This platform includes a wireless communication module, microcontroller based board, programming tools, sensors, actuators. We believe the practical activities will enrich the Embedded C programming, PC hardware interfacing skills of the participants. Attending this workshop will drive your instinct to deliver in the domain of robotics, wireless communication.

The workshop will cover following topics in two days:

• AVR series Microcontrollers
• Programming
• Sensors
• Actuators
• Motor drivers
• Wireless communication
• Working with CC2500 Wireless Transceiver module

The cost of the workshop includes:

• Programmable Robotics platform (based on iBoard AVR Version 2.0)
• Post workshop hand outs and training material
• Training fee
• Participation certificate

This will be accompanied by a detailed manual of the Programmable robotics platform. This platform is useful in building various applications like Swarm Robots, PC control robots, Grid solving robot, line following robot.

The workshop is conducted for two consecutive days in 4 sessions, each session being 4 hour long. Each session time is equally distributed in theory accompanied by practical activities.
Insight on the different topics covered in the workshop:

• AVR series Microcontrollers:
• What is a Microcontroller?
• Different microcontrollers available.
• Why AVR?
• Features of ATmega16.

This session will give introduce about different microcontrollers used in the industry. The upside of AVR series microcontrollers and different features offered by this family of microcontrollers.

Programming:

• Embedded C programming.
• Using programmers notpad.
• Working with Makefiles.

Programming in embedded C will be the objective for this session. The tools like Programmers Notepad, Makefiles will be introduced in detail. A due attention will be given to good programming practices. The practical activities will include writing programs for on-board peripherals like switches, LEDs.

Sensors:

• Line detection sensors
• Junction detecting sensors
• Light sensors
The capability of any system depends on the quality of sensors. Activities will include calibration and interfacing of these sensors with ATmega16. Building autonomous robots that follows line and detects junctions in a grid.

Actuators:
• DC geared motors
• Stepper motors
• RC Servo Motors
Details of various types of motors and actuators will be studied. Special attention will be imparted to DC and stepper motors. Hands on sessions will include controlled driving of DC motors in different drive configurations.

Motor drivers:
• Electromechanical: Relays
• Solid-state drivers: H-bridge, IC drivers
Principles of motor drivers including electromechanical and solid-sate drivers will be covered. Concepts of fly-back diodes, snubbers and other different strategies to reduce interference will also be studied.

Wireless communication:
• Different options for Wireless Communication
• Specifications of CC2500 module
• Different modes of operation of CC2500
• Configuring CC2500 module
• Interfacing CC2500 with ATmega16
This session will emphasis on the need of wireless communication, different ways to satisfy this need. One way to establish wireless communication using CC250 will be introduced in detail. Activities will include interfacing CC2500 to ATmega16 and Computer, configuring it to operate in different modes, transmitting and receiving multi-byte data between microcontroller and computer.

The Kit includes:
• iBoard AVR Ver. 2.0
• UART based CC2500 2G4 Wireless Module.(not a take away with kit)
• USB based FTDI Programmer to program the board and to communicate with the PC with the help of in-built Bootloader on the AVR iBoard.
• Line Sensors for detecting different colors, line detection and junction detection.
• TSOP sensor for obstacle detection with adjustable range.
• Laser cut Acrylic Chassis.
• 2 geared DC motors with clamps.
• Wheels with Rubber RIM
• Power adapter.