Supervisor and/or client(s)

Supervisor - Jo Abrantes - Room 3.212, email:jo@uow.edu.au

Client – email: dalek@doctorwho.com.au

Proposed Title

The Dalek Robot

Project Description & Group Size

A Dalek is a genetically engineered creature that exists inside a robotic machine. 

The robot’s physical shell will be supplied for the students to work on. The students’ task is to add motion through robotic control with the control interface being web based.  A second aspect to the project is to create an SMS interface whereby a person can send an SMS and the Dalek will speak what has been sent in a Dalek voice.  Upon successful completion of the project doctorwho.com.au (web server and email server) will be incorporated into the Dalek.

The project involves several aspects:

1.    The use of the Volare Project Management Document to define and address the following issues:

·     Assessment of required hardware for motion (e.g. stepper motors, control hardware, sensors);

·     Assessment of required hardware for moving attachments (e.g. eye stalk with camera, moving head section, gun and plunger arm);

·     Software development to control the robot hardware;

·     Software development on SMS to speech conversion with a ring modulation effect;

·     A project timeline with deadlines and contingency plans if these deadlines are not met.

2.    Participating in creating a “The making of Dalek” video documentary

After completion:

The Dalek will be the feature of the official opening to www.doctorwho.com.au

After this, “who” knows? 

Group Size: 3 to 4.

Platform, Key Technologies and Tools to be used

The main language to be used is Java.

The Dalek chassis is made out of stainless steel, and is a 2/3 scaled-down replica of the Doctor Who Dalek (about 1 metre tall).

Assumed Knowledge & Main Requirements

The students undertaking this project must:

·        Have watched the TV series ‘Doctor Who’ and preferably be a fan

·        Know what a Dalek is, what it does, how it moves

·        Have a strong interest in robotics

·        Have strong programming skills

·        Be a team player

·        Be dedicated to doing a good job, not “I have to do something to pass 321”

·        Be willing to be part of “The making of Dalek” video documentary.

 After Completion the Dalek will be the feature of the official opening to www.doctorwho.com.au, … after this, “who” knows? 

Note: www.doctorwho.com.au is a non-profit site with the main intention of this site being the promotion of the fun and philosophies of the TV show ‘Doctor Who’ made by the BBC.  Any revenue generated will be used to maintain infrastructure and improve what is offered by this site and make educational projects like this one possible.