Mechatronics Introduction An Overview of Mechatronics and the SRC Office of Technical and Career Education VBCPS 1

Objectives Define mechatronics as it pertains to solving the Stem Robotics Challenge. Identify the relationship between mechatronics and the construction of a robot in the SRC. Describe how mechatronics can be used to solve a sustainability challenge. 2

Mechatronics Defined Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) "Mechatronics is concerned with the blending of mechanical, electronic, software, and control theory engineering topics into a unified framework that enhances the design process." SRC “Designing, constructing and programming a robot using electrical and mechanical advantage to remotely solve a problem”. Simply Put… “It is the marriage between mechanical and electrical systems” according to an SRC student

Mechatronics Connection Robots are battery operated (electronic system) Controlled remotely using RF (Radio Frequency) signals. Robots are driven by small electric motors. Manipulator arms are constructed to collect various types of simulated pollution. (mechanical system) Robots are programmed to perform specific tasks using control language. 4

Mechatronics Examples 5

Mechatronics + SRC SRC TaskMechatronics Component ID, LED’s, resistors, capacitors, IC’s, switches, etc. Basic Electricity/Electronics, polarity, Color code, voltage, current and resistance Drive systems and arm design Gripper design Magnetism and mechanical advantage Servo’s and motors, range of motion etc. Using mechanical fastenersChassis assembly/arm/gripper Remote control of robotControl systems, SPIN language Soldering/Safety/Tool useElectronic assemblies and proper techniques 6

Sustainability An electromechanical robot will be designed and built by students to clean a simulated beach environment of common items often left behind as waste by humans. The SRC will illustrate the importance of the beach in all three aspects of sustainability including economic, social and environmental. 7