About Robotic Design Studio
Robotic Design Studio is a course taught by Professors Robert Berg and Scott Anderson at Wellesley College over the Winter Session of 2004. The course was designed to introduce students to the basics of robotic engineering, which involved both computer science and physics. Students learned two different computer languages, handy logo and cricket logo, to manipulate the movements of their Lego kinetic sculptures. For our final project, we chose to build a robotic dog, though other earlier projects included an indestructible box, a weighted car and different challenges involved with Handy logo.

 

Why a Dog
Both of the creators have dogs at home that are missed terribly. Here on campus, while real dogs are not permitted in the dorms, students can remedy the situation with either a pet rabbit or by the creation of a robotic dog to love. The robotic dog is also great for people with allergies and those with tight schedules, as it does not require regular feeding.

 

Motions of Coal
Coal has many interesting abilities. She can wag her tail, follow her bone/flashlight using light sensors in her eyes while giving the illusion of walking by a motor moving excess fabric on her legs when she is moving. Coal can shake, sit, bark, and carry her bone.