Students are divided into teams of about 4-6 that design and construct a mechatronic system to perform assigned tasks, on time and within budget.  Typically, the system is based on a wheeled robot chassis.  The project, which is highly competitive, changes every year and generally has industrial sponsorship.

Variable

None

None

60% group final report (to be submitted at final presentation), weighted by self-assessment contribution from each student within the team.

10% group final presentation), weighted by self-assessment contribution from each student within the team.

30% technical performance of team, weighted by contribution of each student based on individual time sheets agreed at regular meetings and self-assessment of each team members' contributions.

This project provides experience of working in a team to develop a mechatronic system that must perform a specified function. It integrates material taught in numerous courses, both electrical and mechanical.  The project also introduces planning and the need to keep a budget.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ analyse the requirements of the project to develop an overall design

■ describe the product development cycle: specification, interpretation, presentation, product specification, product development plan; prototype construction, demonstration

■ design, construct and test electronic hardware to perform specific functions

■ design, populate and test printed circuit boards

■ interface electronic and mechanical systems

■ select and use appropriate components using manufacturers' information, such as data sheets

■ program a microcontroller including design, implementation and test of the software

■ maintain control of the budget

■ keep a personal log book as a record of technical work

■ use project planning methodology, such as PERT, defining milestones and measuring achievement against these, and revising the schedule where necessary

■ display initiative in running a project without undue reliance on the supervisor

■ perform productively in a team, recognising the contributions from all members

■ present their work in a written report and oral presentation

Students must attend at least 90% of timetabled meetings with the supervisor, take part in all presentations, contribute to all team reports and must maintain and submit a log book and reflective report.  Students who make insufficient practical contribution to the effort of the team will be refused credit.