Project Based Learning: An Approach to one Robotic Cell Design

We are observing changes in all human activities. One sector affected by the changes is engineering. Since the technological revolution, the engineering world has demanded more flexibility, extra qualifications and more knowledge of specific areas. Therefore, the key point for engineering universities is to increase the efficiency in learning that demands quality methodological changes in the curriculum. The Project Based Learning (PBL) is a systemic approach, which involves the students to ‘know how’ and knowledge acquisition through the investigation of complex questions, tasks and products, accurate planned focusing on efficient learning. In the PBL approach, the student is in charge of obtaining knowledge on their own and is the main person to development the knowledge gained. Robotics is the study of robot applications replacing human activities. The robotic systems are not just robots but also other devices used with the robots. The robots can be classified in six different classes and their main characteristics are payload, stroke, accuracy and repeatability. The industries are the most beneficiary segment after obtaining the robots service application. The purpose of this work is to analyze the performance application of PBL using as the foundation of a robotic cell for handling design to be developed by Mechanical Engineering students. It commenced by explaining to the students the new learning methodology. Afterwards the robotic cell for handling project was explained considering the input data. The class was divided in groups each in charge of one cell designed to handle anything. In order to promote the project management issues, each group created a timetable for all activities, the basic tasks being: cell design conception, layouts project, purchase, assembly, try run and presentation for final approval. Concluding this study, the results of the PBL efficiency measurement are presented as well as improvement recommendation for next projects. Key-words: Project-Based Learning, Robotics, Project Management, Learning Innovation

Proceedings of the 12th International CDIO Conference, Turku, Finland, June 12-16 2016