5 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4016303ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
What is the topic of the course?
Aim of the course is to make the student familiar with the design and realization of a mechatronics project. During the lectures the different aspects of such a project are presented. They are given in three main chapters. The first chapter deals about “Electronics: sensors and signal conditioning”, followed by the chapter “Mechanics: mechanisms and actuation”. No fundamental aspects are discussed, but how the different components are combined in a real application. During the final chapter “Computing: Microcontrollers” is explained how a microcontroller functions and needs to be programmed in assembler, the basics of an Arduino microcontroller and how to control a mechatronics system.
Because mechatronics require a concurrent approach, the main focus of this course will be on the realization of a mechatronics system by the student. Every year a list of new proposals will be presented. The project has to be realized in a team in the Fablab Brussels. The report must be provided in the form of an Instructables website that will be published on the MECH website.
What does the student needs to know in advance?
Student has to know the fundaments in electronics, control theory, mechanics and programming.
Which materials are available?
Course notes in English and a website with finished projects are available.
MA_A2 Having in-depth knowledge and understanding of integrated structural design methods in the framework of a global design strategy
The student will acquire sufficient technological knowledge to specify, evaluate and design complex integrated mechatronic systems, both the integration of them as well as their components. He will be able to design, produce and program mechatronic systems.
MA_B10 Can develop, plan, execute and manage engineering projects at the level of a starting professional
The student is responsible for the competion of the project and therefore has to develop, plan, execute and manage the project within the allocated resources and time.
MA_B11 Can think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information
The project requires to be creative and dynamic. A lot of information is available through the lecture notes and the internet, but the student needs to judge and decide on the basis of incomplete information.
MA_C12 Having a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society
Because every project is different the student will be able to evaluate new techniques and technologies for their quality and use them flexibly. He will be learned to consult the appropriate literature, choosing the methodology, planning, executing and reporting on the results. In order to successfully design the project, the student has to have this attitude. Often the topics have a societal or industrial application. Apart from scientific competences, he also learns more technical/hands-on skills (soldering, debugging).
MA_C13 Having a critical attitude towards one's own results and those of others
The student is encouraged to explore scientific literature and online resources (all past projects are online), the student has to evaluate these and one's own results critical.
MA_C15 Having the flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context
Since the project has to be completed in a team structure, communication skills are important. So the student will be able to engage in an open dialogue, discussion and negotiation. Needs to act in an interdisciplinary/international/intercultural team, also in a leadership capacity.
MA_C16 Having an attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career
Since mechatronics is a continuous-evolving field, life-long learning is needed.
MA_A3 Having in-depth knowledge and understanding of the advanced methods and theories to schematize and model complex problems or processes
He will gather knowledge of computer programs for designing mechanical and electrical systems (CAD, CAE, etc.), and methodologies/theories to understand, design and realize a mechatronic system (electrical schemes, program flowcharts, mechanical designs).
MA_A17 Having a broad scientific knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to design, produce and maintain complex mechanical, electrical and/or energy systems with a focus on products, systems and services
The student has to realize a mechatronic design (often in the form of a robot consisting of sensors-actuators-microcontroller) using the availabl rapid prototyping machines (3D printing, lasercutting, PCB fabrication).
MA_B4 Can reformulate complex engineering problems in order to solve them (simplifying assumptions, reducing complexity)
Since a mechatronic system is a complex engineering system, the student learns how to simplify assumptions, reduce complexity so he can perform the required calculcations/simulations to design it.
MA_B5 Can conceive, plan and execute a research project, based on an analysis of its objectives, existing knowledge and the relevant literature, with attention to innovation and valorization in industry and society
Since time is limited, a good planning is important. The student is required to present intermediate results and discuss different solutions.
MA_B6 Can correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper
This report is in the form of a website, which is made public, describing the different aspects of the mechatronic project, suitable for a broad technical audience
MA_B7 Can present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience
The intermediate and final project results have to be presented using PPT/keynote, with a live demonstration and Q&A session.
MA_B8 Can collaborate in a (multidisciplinary) team
The project has to be executed in a multidisciplinary team, consisting of members with different competences and strengths.
MA_B9 Can work in an industrial environment with attention to safety, quality assurance, communication and reporting
Different projects require to understand safety standards and rules with respect to mechanical and electrical systems, since many projects handle the direct involvement of people. The projects are defined in an open way, so the student needs to be able to explain and clarify customer demands and show a sense of entrepreneurship to finish the project.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
How is the student evaluated?
The theoretical examination (40%) consists of an oral presentation of the project and the end report. During this presentation aspects from the lecture notes will be asked as well.
The project (60%) is further divided into:
-3/20: Electronics
- 2/20: CAD file realization
-4/20: teamwork
-2/20: presentation minimal requirements at intermediate deadlines
-5/20: programming
-4/20: general performance robot
Quotation is per group, except if major differences are found in a group. The end report must be made in the form of a website (Instructables) that will be placed online afterwards.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Mechatronics-Construction (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Robotics and Mechanical Construction