2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MECH1320 Foundations in Mechatronics and Robotics

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Professor Sheng Q Xie
Email: S.Q.Xie@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Admission to UG MECH and ELEC programmes

Module replaces

MECH1300 and MECH2300

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

An ever increasing number of mechatronic systems and robots are finding their way into our daily lives. Mechatronic systems synergistically integrate computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Robotics systems can be viewed as a subset of mechatronics that focuses on sophisticated control of moving devices. The aim of this module is to expose students to the fundamentals of these systems. It will cover topics including introduction to mechatronic and robotic systems, types of robotic mechanisms and structures, robotic systems and their applications, motion planning and control, ABB robots and programming, and forward and inverse kinematics of robotic manipulators. The module will also introduce students to the mechanical design and manufacture of robotic assemblies, including 2D sketches and 3D CAD solid modelling, as well as hands-on workshop practice.

Objectives

This module gives students an understanding of various types of robotics and mechatronic systems, starting from basic principles of robots to their numerous applications and different types of robots. It provides students with the basic understanding of the knowledge required to design, control, and analyse appropriate robotic mechanisms for various applications.

This module will also introduce students to engineering design of simple assemblies using an engineering methodology, including preparation of simple specifications, sketches and a solid model using a CAD system, as well as hands-on manufacturing of a prototype using workshop hand tools

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

Mechatronic systems
1. Demonstrate an appreciation of how the disciplines of electrical and mechanical engineering, and computing are integrated to form mechatronic and robotic systems;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering principles underpinning a representative range of mechatronic and robotic systems;
3. Identify the basic modules of a typical robotic system and classify the performance of various robotic mechanisms and systems;
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the range of software tools used in robotic systems and use basic software tools to develop and implement a simple robotic application;
5. Appreciate the wide range of applications of robotic systems, and how to evaluate these in terms of business, customer and user needs;
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the commercial, economic and social context in which mechatronic and robotic systems are applied.

Design and Manufacture
7. Create and apply solid models and assemblies using a CAD system.
8. Prepare simple sketches, detailed and layout drawings and interpret them as corresponding 3D objects.
9. Explain measurement in the context of limits and fits.
10. Appreciate the capabilities and limitations of common manufacturing processes.
11. Produce simple bills of materials.
12. Perform bottom-up and top-down design of simple mechanisms or assemblies using an engineering methodology, including preparation of simple specifications.
13. Apply Level 1 engineering science to students own designs and develop proof-of-concept prototypes.
14. Select appropriate standard components for a simple application.

Upon successful completion of this module the following Engineering Council Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP) learning outcome descriptors (fourth edition) are satisfied:
15. Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address broadly-defined problems. (B4)
16. Design solutions for broadly-defined problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards. (B5)
17. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of broadly-defined problems. (B6)
18. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate broadly-defined problems. (B12)
19. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes. (B13)
20. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. (B16)

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:

a. Teamwork and collaboration,
b. Planning and Mobilising Resources,
c. Working and communicating with others,
d. Computer Aided Design,
e. Workshop practice,
f. Design for manufacture

Syllabus

Mechatronic systems

• Robotic mechanisms;
• Parallel and serial robots;
• Mechatronic devices and systems;
• Forward and inverse kinematics;
• Singularity, workspace analysis and applications;
• Mechatronic and robotic systems and applications.

Design and Manufacture

• Basic engineering communication skills are learned individually through use of 3D solid modelling and 2D draughting using a CAD system. Sketching will be introduced and practiced.
• The module includes a team-based design and build activity for a simple mechanical assembly and will introduce students to manufacturing processes and their limitations, and to measurement, limits and fits.
• Lectures introduce material on models of the product introduction process; manufacturing processes; measurement, limits and fits; assemblies; and bills-of-materials.
• Development of transferrable skills, including the writing of reports and team working, is supported through lectures and workshops, and practiced during design and build activities.

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

1 x Case Study
1 x Group Project Report
1 x In class test
1 x In-person closed book exam

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	23	2.00	46.00
Practical	36	1.00	36.00
Seminar	22	1.00	22.00
Private study hours			96.00
Total Contact hours			104.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly Solidworks support provided as well as formative assessments with feedback

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 23/05/2024

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