A project based paradigm for learning in mechatronics

Abstract

Mechatronics engineering courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as vocational training courses, are rapidly increasing across the world. Philosophy and structure of such courses divert from the classical single-discipline engineering programs and induce a challenge for the higher education institutions. The paper describes a project based approach utilising a mechatronics "kit of parts" to enable teams of students to build a mobile robot. The robots have two major competitive tasks in which the students fully engage. The teaching activity is based around activity packs which the students complete at their own pace.