EEEN10020 Robotics Design Project

Academic Year 2020/2021

This is a practical design project involving the design, construction and programming of a small autonomous robot, using Arduino controllers and Lego components, along with reports on this work. The module culminates with a competition at the end of the trimester, where each team's robot competes against the others.

Covid update January 2021: as it now seems unlikely that large scale lab access will be feasible, this module will pivot more towards using at-home software simulation tools to explore the world of robotics design.

Learning objectives include:

a) Understanding the principles of good technical design by engaging with a particular design challenge

b) Understanding to the software, electronic and electro-mechanical systems used

c) Introduction to the computer programming and software engineering needed to control these systems (for instance, in the Wiring language for Arduino, a dialect of C);

d) Developing skills in team-based design work involving problem-solving, creative thinking, computer programming and simple electro-mechanical construction;

e) Efficacy in technical communication

f) Building an appreciation for how inventive technical creativity has been the driving force of ever-improving human well-being

This module relies on project-based learning and teamwork. Some of the assessment is based on the performance of the team, with some adjustment for the contribution of individuals to the team. Due to the nature of the learning outcomes and assessment, it is not possible to offer a re-sit opportunity in trimesters where the module is not running.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

The key outcome is the development of the creative thinking, design and teamwork skills required of professional engineers, fostered by sustained engagement with a serious software and mechanical engineering design challenge.

On completion of this module students should also be able to:

1. Design and develop a solution to a relatively complicated problem.

2. Brainstorm effectively.

3. Design and build an electro-mechanical system to meet particular requirements.

4. Create a computer program to control an electro-mechanical system.

5. Specify, schedule and delegate engineering tasks effectively.

6. Present engaging written reports on their work.

7. Articulate various ways that individual inventors and innovators have improved humanity's lot by brining their ingenuity to bear against pressing problems

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

0

Tutorial

24

Practical

36

Specified Learning Activities

24

Autonomous Student Learning

24

Total

108

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lab work: three hours every week getting hands-on with Lego and Arduino scripts (or at-home equivalents, depending on Covid)

Weekly two hour tutorial/lecture sessions to introduce the relevant concepts. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Class Test: A midterm examination of relevant topics in electronic, mechanical and software engineering Week 7 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25

Assignment: Various design, programming and simulation exercises. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

75


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on lab based assessments can be sought from the module co-ordinator in subsequent labs. Feedback on reports will be given, where necessary, through Brightspace. Feedback on the midterm will be given in the tutorial sessions.