RoboCup Nanogram League: An Opportunity for Problem-Based Undergraduate Education in Microsystems

摘要

A problem-based learning approach was chosen for a new senior elective in microsystems. The problem posed to the students was to design microrobots suitable for the new 'nanogram league' of the international RoboCup competition, which challenges teams of students and researchers to construct microscopic untethered robots that will compete against each other in soccer- related agility drills on a 2.5mm by 2.5mm playing field. The approach was shown to increase student interest and motivation. The course was considered a success, and will be repeated with some modifications to increase the breadth of the course coverage.