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Aims:

The aims of this module are to:

• Provide enabling knowledge in the design and analysis of integrated robotic systems.
• Offer essential knowledge in the mechatronic aspects of joints, power transmission and hydraulics.
• Support students in problem solving in the design and modelling of robotic components, assessing likely performance and adapting the design appropriately, then in making and integrating the appropriate subsystems.
• Provide students with the tools for critical analysis to assess and reflect on the performance the robotic systems produced.
• Support students to develop a holistic understanding of the practical application of theory and foundational knowledge of robotic systems (project).
• To build students’ confidence when liaising with and presenting in future industrial contexts, working with peers and participating in robotics projects.

Intended learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:

1. Use systems engineering techniques to plan, design and evaluate simple robotic systems.
2. Justify choices made for power trains and joint articulation in robots.
3. Integrate these design components into a coherent whole, testing this to ensure operability.
4. Justify manufacturing and materials choices and demonstrate the ability to design and produce small-scale robotic prototypes.
5. Identify and demonstrate a critical understanding of the role that mechatronic and making knowledge plays in the development and build of AI-based robotic systems, including ethical considerations.
6. Demonstrate engagement with reflective and learning as key academic and professional skills.

Indicative content:

This is a practical module focussed on the construction of articulated and mobile robotic systems. The module covers both the overall systems engineering process; the specifics of joints, power transmission and hydraulics; and the practicalities of building small robots using modern prototyping technologies.

The following are indicative of the topics the module will typically cover:

• Mechatronic systems case studies.
• Joints, mechanical advantage.
• Power transmission: gears, belt drives, inertia and inertia matching.
• Hydraulics and pneumatics; soft actuators.
• Systems engineering and software engineering:
  • Design processes (in theory and in reality.)
  • Mathematical modelling.
  • Simulation.
• Material properties.
• Small scale manufacturing processes: 3D printing technologies, CNC, laser cutting.
• 3D design.

Requisites:

To be eligible to select this module as optional or elective, a student must be registered on a programme and year of study for which it is formally available.