The Seminar provides students with an essential introduction to the world of open-source programming languages and physical computing, in order to create a synchronous and meaningful interaction between the physical and digital realms.
After gaining the necessary hardware and software knowledge, students are able to integrate interfaces, visualising methods, data sensing, and actuation, to conduct more advanced research and architectural proposals with embedded technology.


Syllabus

Multiple electronic devices are used every day but it is hardly known how they are really made, how they work or what is the technology standing behind. Electronic devices are intentionally designed to be a “black box” that cannot be opened or modified, they can be accessed only through the provided closed interfaces. However, thanks to open source hardware and software it is becoming possible to understand how technology works and also to build personalised devices and machines.

 


Credits: Happy Plants: Self-Regulating Watering System by Michael Groth
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Seminar 2021/22

 

The Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Seminar provides an essential introduction to the world of open source programming languages and physical computing. In this seminar students simultaneously learn basic programming and physical computing concepts. This equips students with the necessary hardware / software for data sensing and actuations to conduct more advanced research and architectural proposals with embedded technology. The students are introduced to the Arduino IDE and microcontroller as a platform to create devices that interact with their environment using sensors and actuators.

 

Learning Objectives

At course completion the students will:

  • learn the basic concepts of programming that allows them to reach more depth in various physical computing topics as well as to jump to different programming languages;
  • be able to sense the environment and act back through actuators;
  • to develop smart apparatus that react to external conditions.

Faculty


Faculty Assistants


Projects from this course

StarWoman’s StarShield

StarWoman’s StarShield is a deployable and collapsible protective shield prototype imagined by the coolest up and coming superhero: StarWoman. StarShield can be worn as a wristwatch which detects proximity & smoke. As an enemy or criminal approaches, the shield expands inversely proportional to the proximity. Less Distance = More Shield Expansion. In the case an … Read more

Verdenlace – Kinetic shading structure

The idea is to used the design module which created in G2- Bio tech morphogenesis studio and make a adaptive shading structure using Programming & Physical Computing. Concept The Innovative algae panels integrated into structures enrich the surrounding air with oxygen through photosynthesis. Complementing this, kinetic shading devices dynamically adjust based on sunlight levels, efficiently … Read more

DOOR LOCK ACCESS- USING RFID SYSTEM

Introduction: In this project, we’ll explore how to build a secure door lock system using an Arduino, an RFID module, a servo motor, and an ultrasonic sensor. The system is designed to lock and unlock a door based on RFID card authentication while also detecting the presence of someone at the door using an ultrasonic … Read more

Desert Bloom

Desert Bloom, conceived as a forward-looking resource harvesting concept, addresses the escalating impact of climate change and extreme environmental conditions. This system harnesses solar power, collects rainwater, and, equipped with distance sensors, autonomously safeguards its resources. Inspired by nature, the design mimics a flower – opening its petals to capture sunlight and repositioning them during … Read more

MINE HAZARD DETECTION

MINE FUMES DETECTION & PIT DETECTION SYSTEM INTENTION To  Improve the safety infrastructure within mining environments through the implementation of advanced sensors. Specifically, employ a smoke sensor for the early detection of hazardous fumes and an ultrasonic sensor to identify potential dangers such as pits and uneven terrain. Common dangers in mines:  Gas and Fume … Read more

KidsCross

Concept KidsCross is a project invented in order to deal with a well known and severe problem around schools. Children are permitted to independently cross streets at the age of 9, and many of them walk to school without adult supervision. However, even though most schools are not situated on main roads, the path becomes … Read more

Juego de aire

Play of air CONCEPT ‘Juego de aireis’ The concept of this prototype is to optimize the temperature and quality of the air to a comfortable and safe state, The direction and speed of the fan’s rotation attached to a motor can make a significant impact on how it regulates the temperature and air quality of … Read more

Technology For Nature

The proposal Preventing the devastating impact of wildfires falls heavily on local authorities and agencies. To address this pressing issue, there’s an urgent requirement for Technological solutions. This presentation introduces a comprehensive system designed to monitor temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and air quality. It assesses the potential severity of a fire outbreak. In critical situations, … Read more

Passive Indoor Environment for Better Cognitive Performance

ILLUMINATION Based on the amount of natural light entering different areas of the building, the intensity of artificial light changes for better circadian rhythm. TEMPERATURE CONTROL Comfortable indoor temperature of the building is controlled based on the outdoor temperatures. Fan automatically turns on if the temperature is too hot. AIR QUALITY If the indoor environment … Read more

ROBOTIC ARM

The 3-axis robotic arm project represents an exploration into the realms of robotics, automation, and mechatronics. At its core, the project aims to develop a versatile and precise robotic arm system with three degrees of freedom. The initial prototype, equipped with servo motors as actuators and an Arduino as the central processing unit, demonstrates the … Read more

SMART HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

Team member(s): divya gogiaModified by divya gogia on November 30, 2023 The project aims to create an intelligent home security system that not only detects potential threats using an Arduino, an ultrasonic sensor, and a gas/smoke sensor but also responds to those threats using a buzzer for audible alarms and a servo motor for physical actions. The system will monitor for both intruders and fire hazards, providing real-time … Read more

ThermalAxis

Vertical structure responsive to temperature changes CONCEPT The project proposes a vertical system that responds to temperature differences to visualize these changes interactively. Its main objective is to create diverse interactions with users through the response to temperature changes. The foundation of the system relies on the use of flexible membranes that expand and compress, … Read more

The Dancing Window

The Interactive Architectural Facade Concept The Interactive Proximity Window is a smart window system designed to respond to human presence. Integrated motion sensors detect when someone approaches or moves away from the window. When an individual comes close to the window, a series of mechanisms are triggered, causing the window to automatically slide rotate based … Read more

Object sensing door

Concept The system is aimed to provide lighting to passers-by in dark environments while also automatically opening the door to greet them. This system can also be used to warn burglars and reduce social crimes. Circulation System: Component Assembly Code Prototype

Motion sensor

Brief: The idea of the assignment is to use 2 sensors and 1-2 actuators in arduino to create a working system. Concept: Motion detection with lights: The idea of the project is to use the ultrasonic sensor to detect objects coming close to it so the light sensor can be activated which it turn forces … Read more