Teaching concepts in fuzzy logic using low cost robots, PDAs, and custom software

Fuzzy logic is a topic traditionally taught in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics courses. Students receive the necessary mathematical and theoretical foundation in lecture format. The final learning experience may require that students create and code their own fuzzy logic application that solves a real world problem. This can be an issue when the target is a bioengineering course that introduces classical control theory, fuzzy logic, neural networks, genetic algorithms and genetic programming through the use of a low cost robot, personal digital assistant (PDA) handheld computer, and custom PDA software. In this course, the concepts and theories discussed in lecture are reinforced and extended in a corresponding laboratory through the use of wireless robots and PDAs. Fuzzy logic libraries and software modules for laptops and desktop computers are readily available, however, when it comes to handheld computers no such libraries exist. Students are able to spend more time experimenting with different fuzzy logic controllers when a custom fuzzy logic library and PDA graphical user interface are utilized. In this paper we introduce and discuss a unique low cost wireless robot, a custom fuzzy logic library, a custom fuzzy logic GUI for the PDA, and the implementation results for the fuzzy logic section in a newly created bioengineering course. Diagnostic and summative assessment in the form of a pre-test and post-test was administered for each section of the course, however, only the results for the fuzzy logic section will be provided.