ROBUS A Mobile Robotic Platform for Electrical and Computer Engineering Education

摘要

Francois Michaud, Andre Clavet, Gerard Lachiver, Mario LucasDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer EngineeringUniversite de Sherbrooke, Quebec Canada J1K 2R1Abstract – By having students design mobile robotic toys for autistic children, we allowfreshmen in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering to work on a multidisciplinaryproject that requires creative and innovative solutions, involving technological aspects and socialimpacts, close to what engineers are asked to do in real life.Keywords – Robotic toys for autistic children; Project-based learning.IntroductionIf we want students to become good engineers, we must put them as close as possible to realchallenges, similar to the ones they will face during their career. At the Universite deSherbrooke, we are dedicated in making students work on projects as part of the curricula [1]. Itis no secret that this requires more work and resources than giving lessons by following a textbook, but the benefits are enormous: it creates a dynamic learning environment where studentsand teachers move beyond what is requested or taught in regular courses.Our Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering offers two distinctbachelor engineering degrees. Since 1998, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) isintroduced simultaneously to a 200 first-year undergraduate students registered in these twodistinct programs. The primary goal of this initiative is to confirm early on the career choice ofthese students and making them work on projects involving design and analysis abilities,autonomous learning, teamwork, communication skills and social considerations. We also want