The Mechatronics Revolution: Fundamentals and Core Concepts

Massive Open Online Course
  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Requirements & Materials
Overview

The Mechatronics Revolution: Fundamentals and Core Concepts

Course Description

The Mechatronics Revolution is upon us. Never before has it been easier to build robotic devices and computer-controlled machines. The confluence of low-cost embedded computers, sensors, and actuators has made experimentation and prototyping easier than ever. Course modules will explore the mechatronics design process, fundamentals of microcontrollers, embedded systems programming, actuator control, and sensor interfacing. The mechatronics lab kit, TI-RSLK-Mechkit, provides a robotic device that is simple to use, build, and test. Through several hands-on labs, you will solidify your knowledge of core mechatronics concepts and gain real-world experience building your own mechatronic systems. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge you need to harness the Mechatronics Revolution.

Course Content

OVERVIEW OF MICROCONTROLLERS

CIRCUITS AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

MICROCONTROLLER FUNDAMENTALS

MOTORS AND SERVOS

SENSORS AND MICROCONTROLLER INTERFACING

BUILDING MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS

Requirements & Materials

Important Information

Access to the content for this course requires you to set up a password for your Georgia Tech (GT) account different from your account and password on this website.  

After you complete your registration follow the "How to Access Your Course Content" instructions which display on the session details (summary) page for this course.

Prerequisites

Required

  • Familiarity with basic circuits and circuit components
  • Familiarity with Programming in one of either C, MATLAB, or Python

Materials

  • Internet connection (DSL, LAN, or cable connection desirable)
  • Adobe Acrobat PDF reader (Download for free on the Adobe website)
  • Texas Instruments Code Composer Studio. Instructions on how to download and install this software will be provided in a lab assignment.
  • The mechatronics lab kit, TI-RSLK-Mechkit (available for purchase for $162)

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for undergraduate students, practicing engineers, or anyone interested in developing skills to build robots or mechatronic devices.

What You Will Learn

  • The elements of a microcontroller, as well as the operating principles of motors, sensors, and circuits commonly used in mechatronic devices
  • How to create basic programs for microcontrollers using interrupt-driven programming
  • How to design and implement microcontroller programs that read from sensors and achieve appropriate actuator commands
  • How to implement a mechatronic device using actuators, sensors, and a microcontroller command processor

How You Will Benefit

  • Acquire the skills necessary to design a mechatronic device, including the ability to select components and integrate them into a working prototype.
  • Write embedded software for a variety of microcontrollers using knowledge of microcontroller operation and interrupt-driven programming.
  • Analyze torque and power outputs as a function of current and voltage for electro-mechanical actuators.
  • Become familiar with sensor interfacing and common filtering routines used in mechatronic devices.
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The course schedule was well-structured with a mix of lectures, class discussions, and hands-on exercises led by knowledgeable and engaging instructors.

- Abe Kani
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