Open AccessDeveloping a Laboratory for Engineering Education in Mechatronics
Author(s) -
Alireza Fazlirad,
Robert W. Brennan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
proceedings of the ... ceea conference
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2371-5243
DOI - 10.24908/pceea.v0i0.13036
Subject(s) - mechatronics , engineering , context (archaeology) , engineering management , process (computing) , engineering education , engineering design process , work (physics) , manufacturing engineering , systems engineering , mechanical engineering , computer science , electrical engineering , paleontology , biology , operating system
This paper reports the development processof a laboratory in mechatronics for mechanicalengineering education at the undergraduate level. The labwas developed to meet two primary objectives: creatingand enhancing opportunities for student skill developmentin the context of two key Canadian EngineeringAccreditation Board (CEAB) graduate attributes, andproviding hands-on experience in mechatronic design inline with current trends in mechatronics education andindustrial practice.Of the twelve CEAB attributes, “Design” and “Useof Engineering Tools” are most compatible with the labin mechatronics. The mechatronics lab was developed,providing occasion for students to engage in engineeringdesign work and use modern engineering equipment inthe process.In step with trends and requirements of industry,mechatronics education in recent years has made a shifttoward integration of microcontrollers with sensors andactuators as integral parts of mechatronics design work.Mechatronics equipment has also become more widelyavailable at lower cost, enabling broader access andcreating the possibility of replicating industrial projectson a smaller scale within a university lab. Themechatronics lab reflects these developments.This paper also explores the continuity of learningoutcomes from lectures to labs and the connectionbetween these outcomes and graduate attributes. Itoutlines some of the issues and limitations encountered.We also report on qualitative student experience based oninteractions and informal student feedback.