Sensor Lab: Workshops

The Sensor Lab offers a series of workshops over the course of the semester that introduce: Analog Electronics (Electronics for Artists), Digital Electronics & Microcontrollers (Introduction to Arduino, Arduino & Sensing 1, Arduino & Sensing 2, Beyond Arduino), Soft Circuits & Wearable Computing, Rapid Prototyping, Data Structures and Algorithms, Data Sources and Big Data, MultiTouch Surface Design and Digital Embroidery Machine Sewing Workshop. The workshops are designed to accommodate a maximum of 8 persons per session.

WORKSHOPS

Electronics for ArtistsDATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
Electronics for Artists covers both the theory and primary techniques for working with electronics. Students will be introduced to basic tools, datasheets and components for building robust, practical circuitry into their art works.

Skill Level: Beginner
Hardware & Software Requirements: None
Good To Have: Interest in Electronics

Introduction to ArduinoDATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
The Introduction to Arduino Workshop will introduce the open-source physical computing platform, the Arduino IDE and initial programming of the microcontroller. Topics are introduced through a series of mini-projects which include: Arduino setup (hardware and software), Arduino programming language, simple analog and digital i/o and overview of electronic principles and tools.

Skill Level: Beginner
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows), Arduino & Arduino IDE
Good To Have: Interest in Electronics, Programming Experience (C/C++/ Java/ Javascript)

Arduino & Sensing 1DATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
The Arduino & Sensing 1 Workshop extends upon concepts from the Introduction to Arduino Workshop. In Arduino & Sensing 1 Workshop the following topics are introduced through a series of mini-projects which include: Arduino setup (hardware and software) & Arduino programming language (review), analog and digital i/o (Multiplexers, Shift Registers, Relays, PWM) and experiment with motion (linear and rotational), sound (speakers, microphones), heat and light.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows), Arduino & Arduino IDE
Good To Have: Basic Knowledge of Electronics, Programming Experience (C/C++/ Java/ Javascript)

Arduino & Sensing 2DATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
The Arduino & Sensing 2 Workshop extends upon concepts from the Arduino & Sensing 1. In Arduino & Sensing 2 Workshop the following topics are introduced through a series of mini-projects which include: Arduino setup (hardware and software) & Arduino programming language (review), advanced analog and digital i/o, communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART) and IC integration with the Arduino.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows), Arduino & Arduino IDE
Good To Have: Basic Knowledge of Electronics, Programming Experience (C/C++/ Java/ Javascript)

Arduino & Internet of ThingsDATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
Arduino & Internet of Things continues with the open-source physical computing platform and the integration of wired and wireless networks, protocols and data telemetry. The workshop will introduce RFID/NFC, Bluetooth, XBee, GPS, WiFi modules through a series of mini-projects.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows), Arduino & Arduino IDE, Arduino & Sensing 2
Good To Have: Basic Knowledge of Electronics, Programming Experience (C/C++/ Java/ Javascript)

Beyond AdruinoDATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
The Beyond Arduino Workshop will introduce alternate open-source physical computing platforms – mbed, raspberry pi & igep. Workshop attendees will get hands on experience with the mbed microcontroller (freedom board) and the mbed toolchain (online & offline options).

Skill Level: Intermediate
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows)
Good To Have: Basic Knowledge of Electronics, Programming Experience (C/C++/ Java/ Javascript)

Soft Circuits & Wearable ComputingDATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
Introduce soft circuits (wearables) as autonomous or participative agents. Instruction will focus on machine and hand sewing, conductive textiles, pattern design, electronics and interaction design.

Skill Level: Beginner
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows).
Good To Have: Knowledge of Sewing, Knowledge of Electronics.

Rapid PrototypingDATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
The Rapid Prototyping Workshop will introduce several rapid prototyping techniques – laser cutting, cnc milling, 3D printing. The workshop will focus on 3D printing and present the 3D printers in the Sensor Lab.

Skill Level: Beginner
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows).
Good To Have: Interest in Rapid Prototyping.

Data Structures & Algorithms 1DATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
The Data Structures and Algorithms 1 will introduce data structures and algorithmic approaches essential to working with data. In the Data Structures and Algorithms 1 Workshop the following topics are introduced: algorithmic categories (constant, linear, logarithmic, quadratic, cubic, exponential), sorting algorithms and searching algorithms. The algorithms in-action will be showcased in eclipse.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows), Eclipse.
Good To Have: Basic Math (Algebra), Object Orientated Programming Experience (Java)

Data Structures & Algorithms 2DATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 8

Description:
The Data Structures and Algorithms 2 will introduce data structures and algorithmic approaches essential to working with data. In the Data Structures and Algorithms 2 Workshop the following topics are introduced: algorithmic categories (review), graph theory (breadth first, depth first), strings (radix search, substring search, regex, tries & data compression). The algorithms in-action will be showcased in eclipse.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows), Eclipse, Data Structures and Algorithms 1.
Good To Have: Basic Math (Algebra), Object Orientated Programming Experience (Java)

Data Sources & Big Data SeminarDATE: TBDSESSION: ~4 HOURSPERSONS: MAX 16

Description:
The Data Sources & Big Data will introduce approaches essential to sourcing datasets, and tools to work with large datasets.

Skill Level: Anyone
Hardware & Software Requirements: Laptop (Mac OS X or Windows)
Good To Have: Interest in Data Visualisation and Data Science.