Teaching Robot Design: Student Driven, Open Ended Design Projects

Abstract

In this paper, we describe an open-ended robot design exercise that focuses on the design process. Students are tasked with defining a set of objectives, developing a solution strategy and constructing a final system. Students undertaking this exercise are working toward a metric based on sound engineering design, in contrast to the victory-based metrics typically associated (in the students' minds) with robotics competitions. The proposed format allows students a truly open-ended experience, since they must develop problem specifications themselves. Instructor support is required to assist in the development of an appropriate problem as well as during the design phase, but a well-prepared instructor can look forward to an extremely beneficial exercise that strongly motivates students and provides substantial dividends for the students in regards to robotics and engineering design in general.