New university robotics kit helps students learn, build and compete

Texas Instruments has released its latest educational solution for the university classroom, the TI Robotics System Learning Kit. The TI-RSLK is a low-cost robotics kit and classroom curriculum, which offers students a wider understanding of how electronic system designs work. This is the first in the series, the Maze Edition, has over than 60 electronic and mechanical components, including the industry-leading SimpleLink MSP432P401R MCU LaunchPad Development Kit. The company’s SimpleLink MCU platform is the broadest portfolio of connected ARM MCUs in a single software development environment, giving flexible software, hardware and tool options for IoT and robotics applications. "Whether taught as an introduction in the freshman year or as an advanced design lab, later on, the TI-RSLK is an effective means for students to get a hands-on learning experience of engineering concepts that span electrical, mechanical and computer science systems,” says Jon Valvano, Ph.D., an electrical and computer engineering professor at The University of Texas at Austin, who developed the TI-RSLK with TI. “This not only encourages many students to pursue an electrical engineering degree in the first place but to also persist in their field of study as it gets more challenging.” “Future engineers can’t push the boundaries of technology unless they first understand what the boundaries are,” says Peter Balyta, Ph.D., president of TI Education Technology and vice president of academic engagements and corporate citizenship. “I’m confident that as students gain a stronger understanding of how electronics systems work, once in their career, they will create the technologies of the future that will astound us all.”