Enter the iBot

The Problem

Dean Kamen and his team developed the iBot, a machine that resembles a standard power wheelchair, but it is more compact and narrower than a traditional wheelchair and has the unique ability to balance on two-wheels. The iBot is controlled and maintained by a sophisticated array of gyroscopes, electric motors, and computers. And while traditional wheelchairs are designed primarily to move a disabled person from point A to point B, the iBot is designed to climb stairs, roll through sand and over rough terrain, and can even raise the height of it user to reach the top of shelves. Based upon some of the specifications of the iBot, this project studies the movement and abilities of the iBot as it handles curbs, stairs, and adjusting the seat height.

Areas of Application

Pre-Algebra
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry

Explanation of Alignment with Standards

Background Information

The unit contains background information on the operation of the iBot, to include links to additional resources and a video clip of the iBot in use.

Materials Included

There are three versions of this project: one intended for pre-algebra students, one for algebra students, and one for geometry students. Each unit contains the following:

Background information on the operation of the iBot
Links for further research
Various problems regarding the operation of the iBot: climbing curbs or stairs, raising the seat, etc.

Download

Pre-Algebra

Download the complete unit here:	File Name	Size
Compressed Zip File	Enter the iBot - Pre-Algebra.zip	176k

Algebra

Download the complete unit here:	File Name	Size
Compressed Zip File	Enter the iBot - Algebra.zip	176k

Geometry

Download the complete unit here:	File Name	Size
Compressed Zip File	Enter the iBot - Geometry.zip	176k

To Download:

Windows: right-click on the filename above and choose: "Save Target As..."

Mac/Apple: hold the CTRL key, click on the filename above, and choose: "Download to Disk..."

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: Jun 25, 2010, 14:53 UTC