Robot Development Using Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio Intelligent Robot Simulation and Programming

The Microsoft® Robotics Developer Studio (MSRDS) and LEGO® robots together offer a flexible platform for creating robotic systems. Designed for novices with basic programming skills, Robot Development Using Microsoft® Robotics Developer Studio provides clear instructions on developing and operating robots. It includes an extensive array of examples, with corresponding step-by-step tutorials and explanations. The first several chapters of the book introduce the development environment of MSRDS, including concurrency and coordination runtime (CCR), decentralized software services (DSS), visual simulation environment (VSE), and the Microsoft Visual Programming Language (MVPL). The text then covers the inputs and outputs to the robot and control logic and describes how MSRDS can be used to control a LEGO robot’s hearing and vision. It also presents a real-life example involving a sumo robot contest. The final chapter provides information on related academic courses, websites, and books. The top-down approach used in this text helps readers think of a robot as a system rather than an assemblage of parts. Readers gain an understanding of methods for integration, design trade-offs, and teamwork—all essential skills for building robots. The MSRDS codes for all examples are available at http://msrds.caece.net/

Challenges and Solutions in Robotics Research Challenges: Moving from Industrial-Type to Service-Type Robots Challenges in the Software Platform for Service Robots Educational Challenges in the Development of Service Robots Top-Down Learning Strategy Using LEGO Mindstorms Education NXT Base Set Robots and MSRDS Book Structure Microsoft Robotics Development PlatformOrigins of Development Concurrency and Coordination Runtime (CCR)Decentralized Software Services (DSS)Visual Simulation Environment (VSE)Microsoft Visual Programming Language (MVPL)System Requirements Installation MSRDS Program List Microsoft Visual Programming LanguageOverview MVPL Programming Environment Basic Activities and Services Component Basic Process Control in a Program Concurrent Program Control Creating a Custom Service ComponentExercises Visual Simulation EnvironmentOverview Robot Simulation Using MVPL to Control the Simulated LEGO Robot Scene Setup Creating a Simulated Custom Robot in VSEExercises Robot I/O UnitOverview Bluetooth Module Sensor and Motor Exercises Robot Motion Behavior Overview Manifest Autonomous Motion Robot ProgrammingExercises Controlling the Robot through Sounds Overview Sound SensorVoice ControlExercises Robot VisionOverview Robot Visual Recognition ExampleExercises A Real Application—Sumo Robot ContestOverview Contest Design Robot Design Contest Results Related Learning ResourcesOverview Related Course Websites Other Website Resources Related Books Index

Shih-Chung (Jessy) Kang is an associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at National Taiwan University (NTU). Dr. Kang began using MSRDS on a research project in 2006 before its official launch by Microsoft and now often teaches about robotics using it. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University. Wei-Tze (Aries) Chang is a postdoctoral researcher at NTU. Dr. Chang is also an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Tamkang University. He earned his Ph.D. from NTU. Kai-Yuan Gu is a digital design engineer for the Mighty Power Solutions Corp., where he designs automated products for energy-saving devices and lighting. He earned a master’s degree from NTU. Hung-Lin Chi is a doctoral student in the Department of Civil Engineering at NTU. He is currently researching the integration of robot-sensing techniques into remote-controlled systems for cranes.