Mechatronics Introduction

An Overview of Mechatronics and the SRC

Office of Technical and Career Education

VBCPS

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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.

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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 2012.

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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.

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Mechatronics Examples

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Mechatronics + SRCSRC Task Mechatronics

Component ID, LED’s, resistors, capacitors, IC’s, switches, etc.

Basic Electricity/Electronics, polarity,Color code, voltage, current and resistance

Drive systems and arm designGripper design

Magnetism and mechanical advantageServo’s and motors, range of motion etc.

Using mechanical fasteners Chassis assembly/arm/gripper

Remote control of robot Control systems, SPIN language

Soldering/Safety/Tool use Electronic assemblies and proper techniques

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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.

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