Robotica

A PROGRAMMING INTERFACE
FOR INTELLIGENT MOBILE ROBOTS

Antunes, F. 1, Netto, A. V. 2, Silva, W. 3,

1 UFSCar, São Carlos, Brazil, [e-mail]
2 UNICEP, São Carlos, Brazil, [e-mail]
3 Xbot, São Carlos, Brazil, [e-mail]

Abstract: This paper describes the Software Curumim Interface program that it controls a robot via block's programming. This program makes easier for people, that, don't have enough knowledge about the program languages, even those, they can determinate some action to the robot. The program has a menu that contain significative icons that sugest the comands. In order to write the program, it is only necessary ti clic the icon in the menu and the block will be insert in the program's window. In this way a block's sequency will be create, that the Curumim will execute. The interface makes enable to the user change any parameter of the block, delete it, insert a new block beetwen other already in the program. For the experienced user, exist a possibility to use the C/C++ languages to program the robot.

Keywords: educational software, robotic education, mobile robot, educational tecnology, robotics interface program.

1. INTRODUCTION
In order to promote the educational development, teaching and learning of basics logic idea through a robot, we developed the Curumim Kit. This kit, illustrated in Figure 1, includes the Curumim robot, a couple of batteries with charger, the radio-base for communication between the robot and the computer, camera receiver, besides the Curumim software and their user’s guide.
Fig. 1. Curumim Kit
Curumin’s Software is the interface between the robot and the user. With this the user will be able to send all the commands required to control Curumim. For this purpose, we present two options: block programming and C / C + +.
The first option of programming is formed by a set of blocks to choice and build an algorithm, then the robot performs the actions planned sending