| The University of Notre Dame is developing a new curriculum that
combines traditional discipline elements and embedded computing in
all forms of mechanical systems. These experiences will better prepare
students to use the sensing, actuation and control technologies resulting
in the explosive growth of intelligent mechanical systems. During
the past year every freshman, sophomore and senior (about 200 students
in the Aerospace and Mechanical engineering degreee programs) have
been involved with hands-on projects associated with intelligent,
autonomous engineering systems. The project engages faculty from various
mechanical engineering disciplines who have limited experience with
these new technologies, develops infrastructure and facilities to
support student learning activities, and collaborates with industry
to integrate elements of intelligent, embedded computing systems across
the curriculum. A new Intelligent Systems and Automation Learning
Laboratory has been developed and 12 courses wil be modified to demonstrate
applications or develop techniques for smart mechanical systems. Applications
include control of medical equipment, specialized intelligent toys,
rocket telemetry, sampling the thermal distribution in a lake using
a GPS guided autonomous boat and the design and fabrication of an
automated floor cleaning apparatus. |
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| Automated process control (Freshman) |
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| Instrumentation for automated data acquisition (Sophomores) |
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| Students assemble automated packaging system |
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