Learning Mechatronics Through Graduated Experimentation

Abstract

Mechatronics at the United States Military Academy at West Point is a senior level course that introduces the interdisciplinary design of smart systems. It is a central course in the robotics track of the electrical engineering program, and the centerpiece of the mechanical engineering program mechatronics track. Details of four hands-on activities that are graduated in difficulty are presented in this paper. The culminating lab utilized an unmanned vehicle. Relatively high speeds of the vehicle make the project fun and engaging. Instructors report that the hands-on nature motivates students to excel and be creative. Their often-innovative solutions require the integration of introductory computer programming and microcontroller functions with electrical and mechanical engineering applications. These unique interdisciplinary activities are designed to reinforce classical control theory learned in a prerequisite course. Students cite the hands-on activities in course feedback as relevant applications that help develop deeper understanding and greater appreciation for the theory learned in the classroom. Working through the experiments in order builds student confidence to solve open-ended problems in interdisciplinary teams. The initial assessments of our hands-on approach have been positive.