Mechatronics Integration Capstone

MEC 290 is the culminating course for the Mechatronics program, challenging students to apply and synthesize knowledge gained in previous courses. This hands-on capstone focuses on the practical integration of various automation technologies: programmable control systems, robotic manipulators, an array of sensing devices for process control and safety, and pneumatic or hydraulic power systems. Students will work in teams to analyze a given automation problem, design an appropriate work cell, select and configure components, develop control logic and robotic programs, and interface all subsystems. The course emphasizes systematic troubleshooting, safety protocols, and professional documentation practices, simulating real-world industrial project cycles. Successful completion demonstrates comprehensive proficiency in mechatronics system design, implementation, and maintenance, crucial for technician-level roles in automated manufacturing environments.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

MEC 130 MEC 140 MEC 150

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Mechatronics Work Cell Design Principleslecture

02Lesson 2: Advanced Programmable Control System Programming and Interfacinglecture

03Lesson 3: Industrial Robot Programming and Safety Integrationlecture

04Hands-on Lab: Interfacing Programmable Logic Controllers with Robotic Systemslab

05Lesson 5: Sensor Technologies for Industrial Automation and Feedback Controllecture

06Lesson 6: Fluid Power System Design and Actuator Integrationlecture

07Lesson 7: Work Cell Safety Standards and Risk Assessmentlecture

08Hands-on Lab: Integrating Diverse Sensors and Fluid Power into a Control Systemlab

09Lesson 9: Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Design and Implementationlecture

10Lesson 10: System Integration and Communication Protocolslecture

11Hands-on Lab: Full Work Cell Component Interconnection and Initial Testinglab

12Lesson 12: Troubleshooting, Debugging, and Optimization of Automated Systemslecture

13Lesson 13: Project Management and Technical Documentation for Automation Projectslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Design, Build, and Demonstrate an Automated Work Cellassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Mechatronics Work Cell Design Principles","Week 2: Lesson 2: Advanced Programmable Control System Programming and Interfacing","Week 3: Lesson 3: Industrial Robot Programming and Safety Integration","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Interfacing Programmable Logic Controllers with Robotic Systems","Week 5: Lesson 5: Sensor Technologies for Industrial Automation and Feedback Control","Week 6: Lesson 6: Fluid Power System Design and Actuator Integration","Week 7: Lesson 7: Work Cell Safety Standards and Risk Assessment","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Integrating Diverse Sensors and Fluid Power into a Control System","Week 9: Lesson 9: Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Design and Implementation","Week 10: Lesson 10: System Integration and Communication Protocols","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Full Work Cell Component Interconnection and Initial Testing","Week 12: Lesson 12: Troubleshooting, Debugging, and Optimization of Automated Systems","Week 13: Lesson 13: Project Management and Technical Documentation for Automation Projects","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Design, Build, and Demonstrate an Automated Work Cell"]