Aims: The aims of this module are to： - Provide students with a strong understanding of sustainability principles and enable them to apply them to solve real-world challenges in the field of robotics. - Develop proficiency in applying MATLAB to simulate physical robotic systems, model and analyse system behaviour, and create code to analyse and visually represent data, with focus on sustainability metrics such as energy consumption and environmental impact. - Equip students to utilise SolidWorks to design and manufacture robot components for robotic systems in sustainable applications. Fit of Module RBE201TC Computer Aided Design and Simulation with Sustainability Mindset in Robotics is designed for engineering and computer science students interested in robotics and sustainability. The module builds directly on foundational knowledge in mechanics, engineering drawing, and CAD, while advancing mechatronics skills with a strong sustainability focus. It elevates basic engineering drawing skills into complex SolidWorks modeling and manufacturing, ensuring students transition from theoretical sketches to functional robotic components within a sustainable framework. This module contributes to curriculum progression by deepening students’ analysis of robotic mechanics (statics, kinematics, dynamics), enhancing CAD skills for sustainable component design, evaluating environmental impacts and health/safety considerations, and developing higher-order thinking for mechatronics problem-solving, design processes, and cross-disciplinary communication. It prepares students for Industry 4.0, digital twins, digital manufacturing, robotics and autonomous systems by promoting ethical and responsible technology deployment.
A Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of sustainability principles and apply them to solve real-world challenges in the field of robotics. B Apply MATLAB to simulate robotic systems and analyse system behaviour. C Create MATLAB code to analyse and visualise data from robotic systems. D Utilise SolidWorks to design and manufacture robot components for robotic systems in sustainable applications.
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. This module is delivered with a combination of delivery in lectures, laboratory exercise, tutorials and a seminar at the end of the delivery. Lectures and group discussions are conducted using the Problem-Based Learning paradigm focusing on student-centred learning, where students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address open-ended problems that lack a straightforward solution. This module is taught with an emphasis on student learning through practice and by projects, facilitated by a module leader, and where appropriate, industrial mentors. Students can identify particular areas of learning needs or interests according to the available project(s). They will conduct independent research to gather information and resources to better define the problem. Progress towards the learning outcomes will be facilitated and monitored, where students are guided to progressively address the given problem through tasks. Independent learning will form an important aspect of the educational activities in this module. The concepts introduced during the lecture are illustrated using step-by-step analysis of example code, complete case studies and live programming tutorials. In the laboratory practice, students will have opportunities to solve a set of exercises during the laboratory classes under the supervision of the lecturer and the teaching assistant. Assessed by a project, students shall gain practical experience in undertaking independent study and research on industry-focused real-world problems. At the end of the delivery, there will be a few seminars to introduce sustainability.