Aims and Fit of Module

The module aims to provide students with an appreciation of robotics engineers’ responsibilities in the context of sustainable development.

It raises the awareness of environmental issues, and examines the principles and tools for sustainable product design, including providing a practical understanding of the design process of robotic systems. 


It enables students to correlate theory in textbooks with its practical application, including developing the ability to solve 'real' engineering problems by numerical methods.

Learning outcomes

A	Show knowledge of how to use basic robotic lab equipment and design software;

B	Demonstrate understanding of the selections of sensor, actuators, communication to meet the design specifications;

C	Design and construct simple servo-control systems;

D	Evaluate performance of servo-control systems.

Method of teaching and learning

The teaching philosophy of the module follows very much the philosophy of Syntegrative Education. This has meant that the teaching delivery pattern, which follows more intensive block teaching, allows more meaningful contribution from industry partners. This philosophy is carried through also in terms of assessment, with reduction on the use of exams and increase in coursework, especially problem-based assessments that are project focused. The delivery pattern provides space in the semester for students to concentrate on completing the assessments.

Seminars: four seminars will be given about sustainability theory, covering two case studies. Students will have team discussion sessions among themselves for the case studies. They will be responsible for the topics they choose for a selected case study and write a report on design, implementation, and test.


Practical exercises: with the aid of scripts, students complete experiment by building robot devices with precision servo-control systems Practical skills will be developed by building a system with electronic and mechanical components, system testing and trouble shooting.


Progress tutorial/quiz will be held to monitor the progress, providing formative feedback.


Lectures: lectures will be given on programming and simulation in lecture hall.