Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automated System Design

Abstract

Industrial automation makes modern manufacturing possible, and mechatronics and robotics are the building blocks for industrial automation. Even in challenging economic times, U.S. manufacturers are still looking to hire highly skilled workers in industrial automation and control. In addition, it is necessary to invest in research to help maintain America's leadership in these areas. This paper describes a summer program designed to provide a research environment for undergraduate students to learn about mechatronics, robotics, and automated system design. The goal is to help participants to understand the research process, to acquire laboratory skills, to expand their perspectives on science and engineering research, and to have a lasting influence on their career paths. Participants spent 10 weeks working on a research project with a mentor and a graduate student. Survey data suggests that students learned from the research experience and will build on the experience in pursuing future research careers.