IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - June 2016 - 55

sensing via optical and ultrasound techniques. We also plan
to implement bridge modules based on JSON to enable
interoperability with LEGO Mindstorm and VEX Robotics
kits. In addition, during demos of the eSMAC robots to stu-
dents, we observed that the robot plastic base, which con-
tains the motors, is not robust enough for extensive
classroom use. The same concern also applies to unprotect-
ed PCBs. To enhance the overall physical reliability of the
toolkit, we plan to design and include durable transparent
cases for each module. We will deploy eSMAC robotic kits
into a number of local high schools to collect a quantitative
analysis of educational outcomes. In particular, students
will be evaluated to compare cognitive gains on standard-
ized science and math tests, and attitudes toward careers in
research science, college admission, and choice of major.
Student data will be divided into two groups: students in
math and science sections using the eSMAC robots, and
students in math and science sections using traditional
textbooks and lab kits. Both groups will complete a survey
and relevant standardized tests at the beginning and end of
the semester. Results will be compared to quantify the
impact of the eSMAC robotic kit.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Science Founda-
tion grants CNS-1239355, IIS-1453129, and IIP-1506285.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommenda-
tions expressed in this material are our own and do not
necessarily reflect the views of the National Science
Foundation. We thank Dr. Vicki Metzgar and the Mid-
dle Tennessee STEM Innovation Hub for their invalu-
able support.
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Ekawahyu Susilo, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
STORM Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Ten-
nessee 37212. E-mail: ekawahyu.susilo@vanderbilt.edu.
Jianing Liu, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
STORM Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Ten-
nessee 37212. E-mail: jianing.liu@vanderbilt.edu.
Yasmin Alvarado Rayo, Department of Mechanical Engi-
neering, STORM Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, Nash-
ville, Tennessee 37212. E-mail: yasmin.alvarado-rayo@
vanderbilt.edu.
Ashley Melissa Peck, Department of Mechanical Engineer-
ing, STORM Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, Nashville,
Tennessee 37212. E-mail: ashley.m.peck@vanderbilt.edu.
Justin Montenegro, Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet
High School, Science, Metro Nashville Public Schools,
Nashville, Tennessee 37203. E-mail: justin.montenegro@
mnps.org.
Mark Gonyea, Stewarts Creek High School, Mathematics,
Rutherford County Board of Education, Smyrna, Tennessee
37167. E-mail: gonyeam@rcschools.net.
Pietro Valdastri, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
STORM Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Ten-
nessee 37212. E-mail: p.valdastri@vanderbilt.edu.

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http://www.k-team.com http://www.irobot https://www http://www.parallax.com/product/boe-bot-robot http://www.littleBits.cc http://www.nextgenscience.org http://www.vernier.com http://https:// http://www.thejournal.com/articles/2015/07/23/survey-average-teacher-spends http://www.usnews.com/news/stem-solutions/articles/2014/02/05/ https://cew http://www.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/stem-complete.pdf http://mind http://storm.lego.com http://www http://www.vexrobotics.com http://www http://www.fischertechnik.de/en/Home.aspx http://www.kondo-robot.com http://www.robotis http://www.modrobotics

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - June 2016