1. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. What is Engineering? Webster’s Dictionary defines engineering as “the practical application of science and mathematics” as in the design and construction of machines, vehicles, structures, roads and systems.

2. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Engineers are … Problem-based innovators that find answers to ‘how things work. Innovation 1. Doing things differently, exploring new territory, taking risks. 2. Something new or improved, including research for development of new technologies, refinement of existing technologies, or development of new applications for existing technologies. 3. A creation (a new device or process) resulting from study and experimentation

3. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Engineers are … Pragmatic scientists taught to problem solve using process skills to implement designs based on resources available.

4. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Engineering Process What is a process? A procedure: a particular course of action intended to achieve a result; A designed sequence of operations or events, possibly taking up time, space, expertise or other resource, which produces some outcome.

5. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Identify and Define the Problem Brainstorm Propose Solutions Prepare for Design Review Receive Feedback Choose a Solution Develop Prototypes Design Working Model Test Model Test Prototypes Make Improvements Based on Feedback Define the Problem Identify the Problem Engineering Process

6. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Develop Ideas (IDEATION) Brainstorm Propose Solutions Prepare for Design Review Receive Feedback Choose a Solution Develop Prototypes Design Working Model Test Model Test Prototypes Make Improvements Based on Feedback Define the Problem Identify the Problem Develop Ideas Engineering Process

7. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Refine the Design (REFINEMENT) Brainstorm Propose Solutions Prepare for Design Review Receive Feedback Choose a Solution Develop Prototypes Design Working Model Test Model Test Prototypes Make Improvements Based on Feedback Define the Problem Identify the Problem Develop Ideas Refine the Design Engineering Process

8. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. (IMPLEMENTATION) Develop the Solution Brainstorm Propose Solutions Prepare for Design Review Receive Feedback Choose a Solution Develop Prototypes Design Working Model Test Model Test Prototypes Make Improvements Based on Feedback Define the Problem Identify the Problem Develop Ideas Refine the Design Analyze the Solution Engineering Process

9. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Test! ( REFINEMENT ) Brainstorm Propose Solutions Prepare for Design Review Receive Feedback Choose a Solution Develop Prototypes Design Working Model Test Model Test Prototypes Make Improvements Based on Feedback Define the Problem Identify the Problem Develop Ideas Refine the Design Analyze the Solution Test, Test, Test Engineering Process

10. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Test! ( REFINEMENT ) Brainstorm Propose Solutions Prepare for Design Review Receive Feedback Choose a Solution Develop Prototypes Design Working Model Test Model Test Prototypes Make Improvements Based on Feedback Define the Problem Identify the Problem Develop Ideas Refine the Design Analyze the Solution Test, Test, Test Engineering Process

11. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Engineering is an iterative process Iteration is the repetition of a process. It is the action or process of repeating. It is a procedure in which repetition of a sequence of operations yields results successively closer to a desired result. ProblemEngineeringSolution Feedback Innovation

12. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Engineering – continual improvement ProblemEngineeringSolution Feedback Innovation When the development cycle is complete successful companies complete market studies and look for ways to improve their products.

13. Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc. Engineering is: The practical application of applying math and science to solve problems. Innovation – a creation resulting from study and experimentation. A process - a particular course of action intended to achieve a result. Iterative - the process of making gradual improvements until the best solution is achieved. Continual improvement.