Integration And Improvement Of A Robotics Laboratory In An Industrial Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

Robotics is the study of robots and their design, manufacture and application to various systems. The impact and benefits of robotics in education at all levels have been broadly addressed and documented by many researchers and educators. Several institutions (including Carnegie Mellon) have developed a robotics program which has provided an extensive background for students wanting to study and conduct research in this arena of engineering. When coupled with hands-on laboratory modules, robotics provides a vast source of opportunities to use original ideas and analytical skills for the solution of concrete problems in the areas of manufacturing systems, programming, logistics and others. As an attractive educational tool, robotics contributes to the increase in students' interest for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts.