This course features the information,
tools and
resources necessary to carry out the student design
project -- culminating in the mother of all robot contests. 2.007 has been replicated worldwide in engineering schools and on television. According to Prof. Slocum, the contest is a final exam, "two evenings of reality-meets-theory. This is when physics hits the road."
This course develops students' competence and self-confidence as design engineers. Emphasis is on the creative design process bolstered by application of physical laws, and learning to complete projects on schedule and within budget. Synthesis, analysis, design robustness and manufacturability are emphasized. The subject relies on active learning via a major design-and-build project. Lecture topics include idea generation, estimation, concept selection, visual thinking and communication, kinematics of mechanisms, machine elements, design for manufacturing, basic electronics, and professional responsibilities and ethics. A required on-line evaluation is given at the beginning and the end of the course so students can assess their design knowledge.
Technical Requirements
File decompression software, such as Winzip® or StuffIt®, is required to open the .zip files found on this course site. The .zip files contain additional files which require software as well. MATLAB® software is required to view and run the .m and .mat files. Mathcad® software is required to view and run the .mcd files. Microsoft® Excel software is recommended for viewing the .xls files. Free Microsoft® Excel viewer software can also be used to view the .xls files. RealOne™ Player is required to run the .rm files found in this course. Media player software, such as QuickTime® Player, RealOne™ Player, or Windows Media® Player, is required to run the .mp3 files. OMAX® Software is required to run the .ord files. SolidWorks® software is required to run and view the .sldprt and .sldasm files.
