Module Code - Title:
PN4056
-
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 3 (ED)
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Building on students' knowledge and skills of advanced manufacturing processes, material science, and control systems, this module focuses on the application of electronics and control to develop capabilities in applied control systems. The purpose of this module is to further develop the principles of automation, and to introduce machine interfacing and robotic control. An understanding of combinational and sequential logic is developed in the context of solving technological problems to enhance how we live.
Syllabus:
Robotic joints; degrees of freedom; coordinate frames. Forces and moments calculations specific to robotics. torque calculations for robotic arms. Open and closed loop control. Classification of robots by structure; applications, with emphasis on manufacturing applications. Operation and control of d.c. servos and stepper motors. The principles of combinational and sequential logic. Operation of a robotic device; sense functions. Electronics prototyping platforms.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...
• Identify robot types; classify robotic joints Specify robotic joints for particular applications.
• Give an outline specification of a robotic structure and arm. Use appropriate co-ordinate frames.
• Perform simple calculations of forces and moments. Calculate the torque for a robotic arm.
• Identify robotic structures and configurations suitable for specified tasks. • Construct block diagrams of simple robotic controllers • Program a working robot using electronics prototyping platforms.
• Critically evaluate and select an electric motor for a self-defined application.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...
• Appreciate the role of applied control systems when solving technological problems.
• Develop an enthusiasm for automation and applied control based systems and their application to real world problems.
• Consider the implications of emerging technology on society and the environment.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...
• Build robotic structures using a combination of servo and stepper motors in tandem with robotic prototyping equipment.
• Test electronic and control systems using bread boarding techniques.
• Use relevant electronics prototyping platforms to apply a control system to a robot.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Project and problem based learning will be embraced in an attempt to create a constructivist learning environment for students. They will create and modify control systems using a combination of computer based and hands on techniques through analytical problems to achieve the required learning ethos. Lectures will provide students with the theoretical underpinnings of electronics and control and a conceptual understanding of open and closed loop systems. Students will apply this knowledge and understand in a studio/workshop setting during practical sessions.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bishop, O (2011)
Electronics, Circuits and Systems, 4th Ed.
, Newnes
Other Relevant Texts:
Norman, E. (2001)
Advanced Design and Technology
, Pearson Education
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BTEDMEUFA - MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Jason.Power@ul.ie