Development of a MATLAB/ROS interface to a low-cost robot arm

Development of a MATLAB Robotics Toolbox ROS interface and educational resources for a low-cost robot arm (Dobot Magician) in a senior-level robotics design course are described. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a MATLAB interface to ROS services to control an articulated robot manipulator and conveyor belt in a laboratory setting. Laboratory exercises are described that expose students to the MATLAB/ROS interface, the basics of robot manipulator programming and an introduction to computer vision. Student survey data shows a positive response to the MATLAB/ROS strategy with the robot. The significance of this study is that a low-cost robot arm with a professional-level ROS/MATLAB software interface can greatly improve student access to advanced, hands-on, project-based education in intelligent manufacturing and Industry 4.0.