06-04-2012, 02:54 PM
Robotics Engineering
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Lesson Summary:
The field of robotics engineering is a sub field of mechanical engineering. Robotics engineers design
robots and develop new applications for them for use in a wide range of industries. With new possibilities
for robotics due to advances in the computer sciences, robotics engineering is growing rapidly. From
production line robots to experimental robotics for the medical, military, and automotive industries, the
future of robotics engineering will certainly offer a range of opportunities for professionals entering the
field .
This three-day lesson introduces the topic of robotics engineering as a career choice. On Day One,
students will take a pre-assessment of their knowledge of robotics engineering. They will complete a
viewing log based on a thirteen-minute video interview with a robotics engineer from Motoman
Corporation in Dayton, Ohio. On Day Two of the lesson, students will draw on a homework research
assignment to create five-minute group presentations on emerging technologies in the field of robotics
engineering. The lesson culminates with group presentations the following day.
Procedure
Welcome students to Engineering Your Future: An Introduction to the World
of Engineering.
2) Distribute the pre-assessment Student Survey to all students and have them hand in after
completed.
3) Distribute copies of the Viewing Log. Have students complete the Assumptions column
based on their understanding of the robotics engineering field.
4) Introduce the topic of Robotics Engineering as a field of Mechanical Engineering. Then, play
the Robotics Engineering video from the series and direct students to complete the What I
Learned column while viewing. After viewing the video, give students additional time to
complete the Viewing Log. While students are viewing the video, take time to look over the
Student Surveys in order to help guide the class discussion following the video.
5) Hold a short discussion of the video interview. What are the challenges of a
career in Robotics Engineering, as described by the engineer? What did you find most
interesting or surprising about the field of robotics engineering? What were some of the
assumptions you had about robotics engineering that have changed after viewing the video
interview?
6) Explain to students that cutting edge research is currently being conducted in robotics
engineering for application in a number of industries: military, medical, manufacturing,
automotive, and space exploration to name a few.
7) Describe how many of the newest developments in technology have come out of University
research facilities. Universities like Berkeley and MIT have college engineering programs
as well as departments devoted to research and development . Advise students that they
will be working in groups to find out more about these new developments in the field of
robotics engineering and will be presenting their findings in a class presentation.
8) Home work assignment: After the discussion, assign five cooperative groups to do short,
five-minute presentations. Students will research the latest robotics engineering projects
currently being developed by the MIT Field and Space Robotics Laboratory and the Center for
Information Technology Research at Berkeley. NOTE: Students will need internet access,
either at home, in the computer lab, or at the library to conduct their research.