Mechatronics and Robotics module details
Embedded Systems & System Integration
Part I (Embedded Systems): This part covers topics such as the aspects of C programming for embedded systems, interrupts, shared-data problem, the use of sub-routines/co-routines/semaphores and real-time operating systems (RTOS). The principles of assembly language programming are also introduced and compared with the C programming of microcontrollers. This part intends to develop in student the ability to critically analyse engineering problems involving microcontroller issues and to further develop their experimental and theoretical skills in embedded systems.
Part II (System Integration): This part introduces the students to Mechatronic philosophies of system design and integration. It will provide the essential tools and the techniques for system analysis, design, modelling, simulation, evaluation, and validation; to enable students to practice effectively as a Mechatronic Engineer. It also exposes the students to a range of Mechatronic System Design case studies; as well as the novel Digital Twin technology leveraging Model Based System Engineering (MBSE).
Machine Vision, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
The module will provide both conceptual and detailed knowledge in the area of robotics, machine vision and artificial intelligence. The module will explore the key concepts related to machine vision, robotics and artificial intelligence and their current challenges, develop techniques and present applications of these technologies.
Engineering Business Environment and Research Methods
The engineering business part of this module is to enable students to understand and reflect upon the role of business in a rapidly changing, globalised world. It identifies opportunities and threats for industry arising from environmental policy, legislation and societal change, and explores how businesses respond to future environmental challenges: for example, through supply chain management, logistics, life -cycle analysis, green accounting and carbon trading. Challenging questions are asked such as: can industry be a positive force for good? How do businesses learn and adapt to new challenges and economic models? This module benefits practitioners in industry, and future academics exploring the sustainability of engineering businesses.
The module also teaches students self-direction, and originality in problem solving. The research methods and associated study skills parts of the module provide students with the skills to successfully complete a research project.
Digital Signal Processing, Control, and Instrumentation
Part I (Digital Signal Processing): This part considers the applications of signal analysis and computational methods for processing digital signals, including images. The emphasis is on the generation of appropriate 'software solutions' for digital signal and image processing (DSIP) in the time and frequency domains.
Part II (Control & Instrumentation): This part provides an advanced knowledge in both theory and practical implementation of control systems including state-space representation and advanced topics for SISO systems. The background theory is supported by computer aided design studies (e.g., using the MATLAB package) and practical laboratory experiments. The students also learn about principles of interfacing industrial processes with control computers and the instrumentation required for this purpose. This part intends to develop the student's ability to critically analyse engineering problems involving control and instrumentation issues and to further develop his/her experimental and theoretical skills.
Individual Project
This module merges two previously distinct modules, Dissertation (for non-engineering courses) and Individual Project (for engineering courses). As it will cover a great diversity of courses, it will be delivered as a team effort.
The module aims to introduce the student to the discipline of independent research carried out in a restricted timeframe. It will involve self-organisation, application, analysis and presentation of work. The topic will be chosen from a list provided by staff, grouped by discipline, or chosen by the student and agreed with the dissertation supervisor. It must be relevant to the course being taken. The project may involve practical work, or be entirely desktop based. An ethics form will be required with approval but is not marked. The Report should be approximately 10,000 – 15,000 words, reflecting the amount of practical work and the nature of the topic.