University of Technology Sydney

41099 Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade, no marks

Description

This subject assists students to develop and apply fundamental knowledge and skills required to begin designing and creating mechatronic systems. It provides an early scaffolded introduction to electronic components and coding in a mechanical/mechatronic engineering context. It provides students with a ‘studio-like’ project, in which their thinking and creativity is stretched and challenged. In this way students are introduced to the ‘studio’ approach which they increasingly encounter later in their studies. It is relevant to students’ studies and work experience.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Write programs/code for microcontrollers. (D.1)
2. Create schematics and wiring diagrams for electronic circuits. (D.1)
3. Design mechatronic devices incorporating microcontrollers, sensors, actuators and other electronic devices. (C.1)
4. Build mechatronic devices incorporating microcontrollers, sensors, actuators and other electronic devices. (D.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:

  • 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
  • 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
  • 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
  • 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject content information and basic explanations are mostly delivered via online resources such as LinkedIn Learning courses, YouTube videos and eBooks. However, there will be a weekly one hour all-of-class (Lec) activity that is designed to supplement these other online learning resources. This Lec activity aims to provide an overview of the subject and topics, interesting and motivational case studies and applications, and, some instruction/explanation/demonstration. Students will have opportunities to discuss with peers and seek clarification as needed.

Student learning occurs through application of the online content through guided hands-on exercises and challenges. Even though this subject can be largely self-paced and the subject learning objectives can be achieved independently, students are encouraged to attend tutorials/labs and work on exercises and challenges collaboratively with other students (online or face-to-face). This peer-assisted learning approach, combined with interaction with tutors who will provide advice, guidance and correction, will facilitate learning for students who prefer more support for their learning. Students whose learning is further advanced should view this active learning as an opportunity to contribute to a learning community and, in fact, to deepen their own learning by explaining it to others and seeing how other students attempt to do the exercises.

Students will further deepen and re-inforce their learning by applying their newly developed knowledge and skills to a practical mechatronic project. The project offers an authentic learning experience through design approach.

The role of tutors as ‘experts’ is critical in this subject. Hands-on learning in electronics and coding is complicated by the problem of ‘minor’ errors/oversights causing the device to not work. Students should interact with tutors who may be able to more quickly see where the problem is and discuss this with the student. In turn, students can be guided to find the problem for themselves thus helping to build the student’s understanding, troubleshooting skills and confidence.

Content (topics)

  1. Introduction to Mechatronics
  2. Introduction to micro-controllers
  3. Process/system flow charts/block diagrams
  4. Basic Coding
    • void setup,
    • void loop
    • Variables
    • Functions, sub-functions
    • Analog and digital I.O, e.g.
      • ?pinMode
      • digitalRead, digitalWrite
    • Pulse-width modulation (PWM)
    • Control structures (e.g. if-else, for, do-while)
    • Libraries
    • Multitasking flow control
  5. Electronics
    • Basic electrical theory (Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's Laws)
    • Resistors (fixed, variable), LEDs, capacitors, transistors
    • Buttons, switches
    • Breadboard prototyping, PCBs
      • Displays (7Seg, LCD)
  6. Sensors - light, ultrasonics, encoders, flex (including basic theory of operation of sensors, intro to ADC, data interpretation and retrieval)
  7. Actuators - motor basics. DC, Stepper, Servo, PWM control

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Mechatronics practical demonstration Level 1

Intent:

To demonstrate application of technical knowledge and skills to build a basic interactive electronic device.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 10%
Length:

10 minutes practical demonstration during lab/tutorial class (online or on campus). Students have a 2-week ‘window of opportunity’ within which to complete their practical demonstration.

Assessment task 2: Mechatronics practical demonstration Level 2

Intent:

To demonstrate developing electronics and coding understanding and skills incorporating basic sensing and actuation.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Group, individually assessed
Weight: 20%

Assessment task 3: Mechatronics practical demonstration Level 3

Intent:

To demonstrate more advanced electronics and coding understanding and skills incorporating structured coding, advanced I/O, sensing and actuation.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Length:

15-20 minute individual viva interview demonstrating the Assessment task 3 deliverable. Code and documents to be submitted to Canvas.

Assessment task 4: Mechatronic Project

Intent:

To demonstrate ability to effectively identify, select and use more advanced technical knowledge of microcontrollers, sensors, actuators and other electronic devices
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2, 3 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1 and D.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Length:

Project deliverables will typically include a flowchart and/or system diagram, schematics and wiring diagrams, code, a functioning device and reflective report. Deliverables must demonstrate knowledge and capability beyond the competence levels demonstrated in Assessment Tasks 1-3.

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must pass the Assignment 3 viva and achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts

There are no required textbooks.

Recommended texts

Several e-Learning resources will be provided on the subject Learning Management System (CANVAS/Blackboard).

It is also recommended that you have a digital multi-meter (DMM), which can be purchased for ~$10. This will be useful students taking future Mechatronics subjects.