To complete the project work defined in Mechatronics Project 1. To enable the student to combine previously learned course material with their individual skillsets in order to solve real-life mechatronics projects. To enhance the students' ability to organise and direct their own work and to present this work in written and verbal format in a proper manner. To develop the students' research ability.

The student is required to complete a project the selection of which is made from a list provided by academic staff members. In some cases the project may be an extension of the work of the student from the work undertaken during the previous two semesters, but otherwise may be based on a real life issue in a manufacturing facility. Projects are selected by the student in the early part of the Spring Semester and will be completed during the summer semester. During the course of the project the student meets with the project supervisor at regular intervals where any problems which may arise are dealt with and plans are made for further work. The final assessment is based on the quality of the presented Project Report and any other relevant associated work. The Grade for the Project is set after an interview of the student by the supervisor together with at least one other member of the academic staff.

Demonstrate the ability to develop creative and original solutions to engineering /Mechatronic/Automation problems of significant complexity. Develop and present a project plan making best use of latest information technology; modularise project into work packages and identify resources required to complete work packages; prioritise and modify project plan on a continuous basis. Work as an individual, with support from a supervisor, formulating solutions to day-to-day problems by integrating knowledge and experience gained on the course and outside the course. Demonstrate the ability to produce a formal engineering report, substantive in nature, with proper and complete structure, layout, grammar, spelling, cross-referencing of figures, tables and text, and referencing of previous work. Provide a clear motivation and set of objectives for the project, a critical review of previous work in the field, and a theoretical foundation and coherent justification for the approach taken in the project. Describe experimental apparatus and/or models, and analysis procedures in a clear, complete and unambiguous manner making best use of latest information technology. Present results clearly making best use of latest information technology; critically analyse results, draw objective and reasonable conclusions, and suggest avenues for future work. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a particular engineering subject area, though presentation of material in presentations and reports and response to questions in presentations. Produce a substantial project outcome, which demonstrates a significant level of difficulty and effort on the part of the student, consisting of at least one of the following: a. experimental results b. theoretical results c. numerical results d. detailed design of a prototype e. physical prototype f. experimental rig Present clearly (using latest information technology) and critically evaluate different design concepts, and justify final choice through engineering analysis and/or prototype development.

Students will develop the confidence to work on their own initiative on a significant engineering problem and to defend their work against a critical review.

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The module will involve significant independent work, coordinated by a project supervisor. The projects will be concerned with the state of the art technologies employed by Irish and international manufacturing facilities. The students will produce a substantial report documenting their work. On completion of the module successful participants will be: (i) Knowledgeable about design processes and the alternative approaches to automating a manufacturing process. (ii) Proactive in researching independently a design solution (iii) Creative in applying problem solving and investigation skills. (iv) Articulate in documenting and disseminating the work undertaken