Introduction of mechatronic technology into cross-department product design curricula

Abstract

This paper presents the work that is currently conducted by faculty in the departments of mechanical engineering technology and computer engineering technology to introduce mechatronic technology into product design curricula of both departments. This work is funded by the NSF ATE (National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education), Award No. DUE-1003712 recently awarded to New York City College of Technology. Advances in computer technology and semiconductor electronics have created a new product design field called mechatronics. Mechatronics treats product design as system design that requires the tight integration of mechanical components, electrical/electronic systems, industrial design ideas, computer-control systems, embedded systems, and intelligent software into the product design and development processes. It requires engineers, technicians, and designers from various disciplines to possess broader knowledge beyond their specialized fields and to work together concurrently. This concurrent engineering and mechatronic design approach, which emphasizes team collaboration, has become the new industry standard in product design and development. Mechatronic technology has been identified as one of the top 10 highly influential emerging technologies of the 21st century by MIT's Technology Review and by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Students from both departments were given mechatronic/robotic design projects that required them to use actual mechanical, electrical/electronic hardware and software that are currently being used by the industry. This enabled the instructor to simulate real life product design activities inside the classroom and laboratory. Not only were students exposed to the latest in mechatronics, they also learned the concurrent engineering design approach. Students were given a framework of fundamental design knowledge with hands-on cross-disciplinary activities that allow them to develop an interdisciplinary understanding and integrated approach to product design. Through these hands-on activities, students will also learn the concept of product lifecycle management and sharpen their teamwork skills. Curriculums of the all three programs (mechanical engineering technology, electro-mechanical engineering technology, and industrial design technology) will be modified to create crossdepartmental design projects. Students will learn how to design, construct, evaluate, operate, and test mechatronic products. Activities include: 3D design and modeling, materials and manufacturing process selection, mechanical and structural design, electrical/electronic design, computer control with embedded systems, interfacing, programming, and project management. These simulated product design activities will give students a better understanding of product design processes and provide them with much needed hands-on experience. Students who enroll in this training program will serve as student mentors to help local high school students to engage in various pre-engineering activities such as FIRST Robotic Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). These activities have been proven very effective in attracting high school students to study STEM related fields in colleges and universities. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.