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The course takes place in two separate blocks: Physical Computing Basics in the first two weeks and the Main Project in the last two weeks. Int the first In the first block, students will work individually through the introductory topics, while the Main Project is in groups of two to three students. 

Personal Material

Please bring your personal computer to all classes. If you have a newer MacBook with USB C, bring an adapter to work with standard USB cables. A personal notebook is also recommended. 

Topic 2019: Empathetic Machines: 

Can interactions between human and machines be more effective if we can empathise with the device because of it's anthropomorphic behaviour? Can such devices, in turn, empathise with us? We are social animals, and a large portion of our brain is dedicated to social tasks, from recognising emotions to predicting the thoughts and intentions of other humans and creatures. It, therefore, makes sense that we utilise these capabilities when designing interactions. 
But how might everyday interactive devices be improved by anthropomorphic characteristics? Would we be more likely to partake in sustainable consumption of electronics if devices were more sympathetic? This year's Physical Computing project will attempt to answer some of these questions while drawing inspiration from robotics to physically prototype interactive devices with empathetic qualities and anthropomorphic behaviours. 

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2019 Topics Readings

Expectations and Grading

Grades will be based on group presentations, class participation, home assignments, documentation and final work. An attendance of min. 80% is required to pass the course.

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  1. Introductory Lecture 
  2. Project Briefs 2019
  3. Project box
  4. Exercises
  5. Course Resources
  6. Project References
  7. Physical Computing Literature References
  8. Physical Computing Lab - Sensors

Topic 2019: Empathetic Machines: 

Can interactions between human and machines be more effective if we can empathise with the device because of it's anthropomorphic behaviour? Can such devices, in turn, empathise with us? We are social animals, and a large portion of our brain is dedicated to social tasks, from recognising emotions to predicting the thoughts and intentions of other humans and creatures. It, therefore, makes sense that we utilise these capabilities when designing interactions. 
But how might everyday interactive devices be improved by anthropomorphic characteristics? Would we be more likely to partake in sustainable consumption of electronics if devices were more sympathetic? This year's Physical Computing project will attempt to answer some of these questions while drawing inspiration from robotics to physically prototype interactive devices with empathetic qualities and anthropomorphic behaviours. 

Distinctly non-human forms can be highly evocative of human qualities, and basic geometric forms can convey agency and complex behaviours through motion alone (Heider and Simmel 1944). For this reason, we will focus on primitive forms with expressive behaviour through motion, using simple electromechanical actuators, in combination with sensors and microcontrollers. 

2019 Topics Readings

Schedule

Morning: 09:00 - 12:00,  Afternoon: 13:30 - 17:00

W1

Tuesday 17.09 (4.K15)

Wednesday 18.09 (4.K15)

Thursday 19.09 (4.K15)

Friday 20.09 (4.K15)

Morning


(LF FB)

References:

Getting Started with Arduino 3rd Edition: p.37-40

Make: Electronics 2nd edition: p.1-40

Electronic Basics (sparkfun)

  • Digital Components
  • Digital Interfaces
  • I2C, SPI, UART
  • Neo Pixel
  • Ultra Sonic Distance Sensor
    (FB)

Afternoon


(LF FB)

  • Parallel/Series Circuits
  • Capacitors
  • Schematics
  • Soldering
    (LF)

(FB)

  • Minor Project Start 
  • Repetition Time

(LF, FB)

W2

Tuesday 24.09 (4.K15)

Wednesday 25.09 (4.K15)

Thursday 26.09 (4.K15)

Friday 27.09 (4.K15)

Morning


Protoboards

EAGLE CAD

(LF)

Networking

(FB)

Individual Minor Project

Individual Minor Project

Afternoon


PCB Milling

(LF)
Individual Minor Project


Individual Minor Project

Individual Minor Project

Presentation, cleanup and documentation

W3


Wednesday 23.10 (5.D02)

Thursday 24.10 (5.D02)

Friday 25.10 (5.D02)

Morning 



Main Project Kickoff

Main Project Ideation 

Possible input from ETH Computational Robotics Lab 

Computer Vision Input 

(FB)

Prototyping
Afternoon


Robotics input

Ideation and Prototyping

Evening: Posible guest lecture 

Prototyping

Prototyping

W4

Tuesday 29.10 (5.D02)

Wednesday 30.10 (5.D02)

Thursday 31.10 (5.D02)

Friday 01.11 (5.D02)

Morning 


Prototyping / Mentoring

Prototyping 

Final Build

Final Build

Afternoon


Prototyping / Mentoring

Prototyping / Mentoring

Final Build

Final Build


W5Tuesday 05.11


MorningSetup Final Presentation 


Afternoon

Final Presentation 12:00 - 13:00 

Documentation and feedback 13:30 - 17:00





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