CISC 685: Mechatronics

Catalog Description:
Mechatronics is the intersection set of computers, electronics and mechanical eigineering. Covers principles and theoretical aspects of mechatronic design, including human/machine interfacing, haptic systems, procedures in mechatronic design, reverse engineering, machine behaviors, and mechatronic control systems.

Current Texts:
The Art of Electronics (standard edition)
P. Horowitz and W. Hill
Cambridge University Press, 1989.
The course will assume this is available as a reference book.

Goals:
Mechatronics is the intersection set of computer, electronic and mechanical engineering. This course will introduce students to design principles related to mechatronic products, give some basic theory in each discipline, show how engineering design links the three areas, and demonstrate how skills can be used to solve practical problems.

Contents:

Theoretical component: Theory covered in this course will include a revision of basic electronics, mechanics and computing. Additional theory in these areas will be given but due to the breath of the field it will be primarily intended to assist students with the project phases of this course. The student will also be introduced to engineering design principles and shown how design tools can be used to improve the process of taking an idea for a mechatronic product to a workable prototype.

Introductory design exercise: Groups of 3 will be formed to design and build a small walking robot. This machine is based on a novel material, Nitinol, a wire that contracts when current is passed through it. The robots will be tested in a number of informal 'Olympic' events.

Primary design project: Larger groups will be formed to design and prototype a more substantial mechatronic device. In 1993 this was a mobile robot that was able to navigate the corridors of a building. In 1994 the design exercise was a novel computer mouse that could be used to feel the walls and openings of the virtual world it occupied.

Required Background:

The following are a guideline rather than strict course prerequisites.

• Computing - Ability to program in C and Basic. Knowledge of boolean logic.
• Electrical - Ohms law, ability to follow a simple electrical circuit.
• Mechanics - Basic vector arithmetic applied to forces, ability to distinguish between a force and a moment, understanding of the basic workings of levers, pulleys etc.
  

Note: Because of the multi-disciplinary nature of this course it is recommended that you talk to the instructors before signing up.

RESTRICTIONS: Credit cannot be received for both CISC685 and CISC485.