Mechatronic Design Laboratory
EL ENG 192 Mechatronic Design Laboratory 4 Units
Faculty in charge: Ron Fearing
Terms offered: 2016 Spring
Catalog description:
Design project course, focusing on application of theoretical principles in electrical engineering to control of a small-scale system, such as a mobile robot. Small teams of students will design and construct a mechatronic system incorporating sensors, actuators, and intelligence.
Mechatronics Design Lab
The Mechatronics Design Lab is a design project course focusing on application of theoretical principles in electrical engineering and computer science to control of mechatronic systems incorporating sensors, actuators, and intelligence. This course gives you a chance to use your knowledge of (or learn about) power electronics, filtering and signal processing, control, electromechanics, microcontrollers, and real-time embedded software in designing a racing robot.
The class project is to design a racing robot which can follow a curving and self-crossing racetrack at speeds greater than 3 meters per second using an optical sensor. Each team starts with a standard 1/10th-scale RC car platform and a pre-built CPU board, determines an optimal strategy, and designs sensors, electronics, and control algorithms. Vehicles individually follow a 100 meter course, staying on track and avoiding obstacles.
The course project requires students to consider real-world constraints such as limited volume, payload, electrical power, processing power, and time. Oral and written reports will be required justifying design choices. Grading will be based upon design checkpoints, the reports and a final exam. A portion of the grade will be determined by vehicle performance and robustness.
Number of students in lab: 27
Labs are held in 204 Cory
Stations 1 to 12 (12 stations)