Employing Animatronics in Teaching Engineering Design

Abstract

Abstract Employing Animatronics in Teaching Engineering DesignThis paper presents a cross-disciplinary methodology in teaching engineering design, especiallyproduct design. The author has utilized this animatronics based methodology for about ten yearsat college and secondary school levels with the objective of engaging students in practicalprojects in addition to recruitment and retention reasons. The result is an active learningenvironment that is also creative.The efforts spanned two universities and included a senior capstone project, an honors course, anintroduction to engineering course, as well as multiple summer work-shops and camps. Thecurriculum encompasses the basics of engineering and product design, and development as wellas team work. Students follow through concept development, computer-aided design (CAD),materials and fabrication, rapid prototyping and manufacturing, mechanisms, programming andcontrols areas. Integration and costuming for completion of animatronics projects are alsoincluded within the schedules. Within the last five years, VEX Robotics Development Systemhas been utilized in parallel with custom made components to improve the project experience.Students cut, bend, and join standard VEX elements to realize their designs. Another advantageof the VEX Robotics Development system is its versatile microcontroller that is bothprogrammable and radio controls (RC) based.In this paper, evolution of the methodology, details of each element of the methodology as wellas the student feedback from multiple activities will be covered. The results of the outcomeassessment processes for the introduction to engineering course will also be published. The studywill be concluded with future work ideas.