Building and Controlling Your PLC-Controlled Robot From the Workbench

摘要

Building robots with your students can be extremely rewarding and fun. By incorporating the use of the PLC into the experience, students will gain "hands on" working knowledge of the most widely employed piece of automation control used today. Since micro PLC units cost as little as $350, it may be one of the most practical pieces of automation for the classroom as well. Through the implementation of the Dual RF communication strategy, students also gain experience in electronics communication, not to mention the ability to build battle-bots and other interesting devices to explore a multitude of hazardous environments. "Today's manufacturers need individuals who can readily apply and utilize the latest technologies in order to survive" (Wright, J. R., Jr. Et. Al., 2000, p. 37). Control is at the heart of all manufacturing and the PLC is certainly the key control technology implemented today on the factory floor. By employing this activity in the technology classroom, students gain tremendous experience through an interdisciplinary activity. It is through this exposure that one might be better prepared to meet the demands of our future manufacturing needs. Preparing our students for tomorrow means pushing our own technological envelopes today. Push the envelope; build a PLC controlled mobile robot with your students and watch them master the technology.