Examination arrangement

Course content

The course gives an introduction to the engineering profession of automation and mechatronics.

Through interdisciplinary projects in laboratories, students will work with cyber-physical systems, e.g., mobile robots.

During the course, students will get an introduction to fundamental topics within the following areas:

• equipment and components for use in automation and mechatronics
• programming and algorithms
• signal processing and measurement engineering
• electrical engineering
• computer engineering
• control systems engineering
• mechanical engineering
• innovation, entrepreneurship, design and prototyping
• enabling technologies (e.g., Industry 4.0, IoT, machine vision, artificial intelligence)
• general engineering professional practice, study technique, sustainability and ethics

Learning outcome

Knowledge

• The candidate can explain how equipment and components introduced in the course work, and what they are used for.
• The candidate can explain, discuss, and compare theory, methods, and principles introduced in the course.

Skills

• The candidate can apply theory, methods, and principles introduced in the course.
• The candidate can design, construct, test, and iteratively improve simple cyber-physical systems that include software, sensors, actuators, circuits, control systems, and other components.
• The candidate can use laboratory equipment and tools such as 3D printers (additive technology), CNC machines (subtractive technology), laser cutters, and other common equipment and tools.
• The candidate can use digital tools for calculations and simple modelling, simulation, visualisation, and analysis of cyber-physical systems.

General competence

• The candidate can demonstrate a conscious relation to safety during laboratory work and can handle laboratory components and equipment in a safe manner.
• The candidate can perform simple testing and fault search in complex systems.
• The candidate can find and use technical documentation and data sheets for solving engineering problems.
• The candidate can work in a team.
• The candidate can apply and explain fundamental principles and methods within project work, including management, planning, execution, documentation, good sources, report writing, and dissemination.
• The candidate can give examples of enabling technologies, explain why they are enabling, and reflect upon their opportunities and challenges with respect to innovation, sustainability, and ethics.
• The candidate can discuss the importance of automation and intelligent systems in society with respect to innovation, sustainability, and ethics.
• The candidate can explain the meaning of scientific method and demonstrate aspects of critical thinking.
• The candidate can give examples of fundamental principles of study technique, explain them, and reflect upon own learning and the role as a student.

Learning methods and activities

Learning activities generally include a mix of lectures, tutorials and practical lab/project work. A constructivist approach for learning is endorsed, with focus on problem solving and practical application of theory.

Central to the course is the design and construction of cyber-physical systems (e.g., sumo robots, line following robots, rally cross robot, labyrinth robot, or drones) that are controlled by means of a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) or a microcomputer (e.g., Raspberry Pi), and that are supposed to solve one or several tasks. Students will get learning and apply both 3D printers (additive technology), CNC machines (subtractive technology), laser cutters and circuit board design in the project.

Informal competitions and test will be held for extra motivation. It is planned that 1-2 groups of students will participate in a large international competition the following study year.

Students who have completed the course will serve as student assistants and assist during learning activities. There will also be visits to the 2nd-year and 3rd-year classes, who will talk about their experiences and present the projects that will meet the AIS1104 students next study year.

Lectures, assignments, mini projects, and other learning activities are adapted to the project during the course. Bidirectional synergies between the two programme course, AIS1003 Object-oriented programming for cyber-physical systems in the autumn and AIS1004 Industrial electrical engineering in the spring, and AIS1104 Automation and mechatronics with project, bridges theory and practice, and allows for flexible sharing and use of time-table allocated teaching/learning time between the three courses.

Excursions to local and relevant companies and participation in local events will be strived for.

Compulsory assignments

• Works

Further on evaluation

The final grade is based on an overall evaluation of the portfolio, which consists of a number of works delivered through the semester. The portfolio contains assignments that are carried out, digitally documented and submitted during the term. Both individual and team assignments may be given. Assignments are designed to help students achieve specific course learning outcomes, and formative feedback is given during the period of the portfolio. The re-sit exam is an oral exam in August.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The course has no prerequisites.

It is a requirement that students are enrolled in the study programme to which the course belongs.

Course materials

An updated course overview, including curriculum, is presented at the start of the semester and will typically also include English material.

Credit reductions