Workshops: Summer 2003

The first faculty workshop is scheduled for August 3-5, 2003 at University of Massachussetts-Lowell. Please contact Holly Yanco for more information.

Workshop FAQ

  1. What will be happening at the workshop?
    The workshop is intended to be an introduction to Pyro (See Software in Educational Materials) and the curricular materials that we have created. Participants will use a computer lab at U-Mass-Lowell. Most of the robot programming will involve the use of simulators and Pioneer robots. Each participant will be expected to write and test their own robot programs.
  2. What is the financial commitment necessary to participate?
    Participants will need to provide their own funding for travel, boarding and lodging. Lunches will be provided. We will provide logistic assistance, if needed, for room sharing and rental car pooling where feasible.
  3. Are there any travel grants for attending the workshop?
    There are no travel grants from the workshop organizers. Participants are encouraged to seek funds from their host institutions.
  4. How much will hotel rooms cost?
    We have reserved a block of hotel rooms at the Doubletree Hotel in Lowell which is the closest hotel to the campus. The rate is $89/night plus 9.7% tax. For more information on the hotel, visit their web site. To reserve a room, call (978) 452-1200 and ask for the UMass Lowell Computer Science Rate. The rooms are blocked for August 3-5, but you can extend a day in either direction if you want. You must reserve in the block no later than July 10 since the rooms will be released then.
  5. What kind of robots will be used?
    We will mainly use Pioneer robots. The software also works well on Khepera robots. Additionally, we will also use some simulators. See the Hardware link under Educational Materials for more information.
  6. How can I use Pyro at my own institution?
    Pyro is free and open-source, as are all the curricular materials. You will need to own your own robot(s) (Pioneer or Khepera). You can apply for funding from the NSF-DUE-CCLI Adaptation & Implementation Program as a pilot school (see Pilot Schools on the right on how to become one). You may also be able to run the course using just the simulators. However, as roboticists, we think it is important for students to experience real robots as well.

 

 

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