Using Robotics to Develop Pedagogical Experiences in Industrial Engineering Education

摘要

Developing successful pedagogical experiences in the teaching of engineering disciplines is a formidable challenge. Most disciplines tend to focus on what is most relevant to their area, in their labs and other pedagogical, hands-on experiences. However, engineering is practiced in integrated, multidisciplinary environments. Thus the need for pedagogical experiences that integrate several disciplinary difficulty levels, several relevant disciplines, and still provide a focused illustration of an identified engineering discipline, i.e., industrial engineering. In this respect, the use of robotics presents itself as a valuable resource, with inexpensive and easy to use commercial kits. These kits facilitate, e.g., student learning, teamwork, programming, etc. We present here the results of a project that examined the benefits of the use of robotics in strengthening the competencies of industrial engineering students, using Lego MindStorms Kits. A suite of experiments was designed, including a robotic crane, a lift fork, and an AGV (automated guided vehicle). Via low-difficulty robotic practices (construction, programming and testing), the perception of industrial engineering students regarding the use of technology in industry was strengthened, as well as aiding in the development of their professional skills, and their assessment of the value of laboratory courses.