期刊名称：Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association
出版年度：2015
语种：English
出版社：The Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA)
摘要：Automation systems are generally made up of three main subsystems, namely mechanical, electrical and software. The interactions among these components affect the integrated system in terms of reliability, quality, scalability, and cost. Therefore, it is imperative that the three components of automation systems are designed concurrently through an integrated design paradigm. This leads to the need to teach integrated design concepts to students in programs such as process automation, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering. However, due to the time constraint, it is almost impossible to run full integrated design class projects. Therefore, instructors have to decide on the parts of the design process that their class projects have to focus on, and the parts that have to be reviewed for the completeness of the integrated design process. In this paper we present the design and implementation of a microcontroller based, 3D printable, low cost robotic arm suitable for teaching integrated design. Moreover, the paper presents how the robotic arm design is used in an integrated design project of an Industrial Networks and Controllers course. Since the focus of this course is the electrical and software subsystems of the robotic arm, and we do not have enough time to do a full design, students review the design of the robotic arm presented in this paper and use it to either 3D print the robotic arm or purchase the mechanical subsystem of the robotic arm that meets the specification.
