Introduction to Programing, Robotics, and Computer-Aided Technology

Syllabus

Course Description

Principles of computer-aided technology. Computer-aided design, engineering, drafting, and manufacturing; computer-aided design systems, geometry, computer graphics, hardware, computer-aided vehicle/system design synthesis. System demonstrations, laboratories, and site visits.

2024 Focus

• principles of designing robotics and 3D printing
  • computer aided: from 3D objects to computer rendering and computer programmed
  • design: from mechanism to kinematics, simulation, and building
• a blended learning experience:
  • lectures: focus on foundational knowledge and fundamental principles
  • labs: focus on applied technology
  • self learning: some topics will demand self reading and testing
  • project based: extensive hands-on activities building towards a final demonstration

Course Prerequisites

• ME 123: Introduction to Visualization and Computer-Aided Design
• AMATH 301: Beginning Scientific Computing

Course Material

Most materials are distributed on the course website or available from the internet.

For a thorough and comprehensive Python Development guide, I recommend two top resources that excel in practical python development:

• Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming, by Eric Matthes
• Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition: Practical Programming for Total Beginners, by Al Sweigart. Available to read for free online.

For additional materials on additive manufacturing, see:

• Additive Manufacturing, Second Edition, Edited ByAmit Bandyopadhyay, Susmita Bose, 2019, CRC Press, Boca Raton. Available online via UW Library.

Grading

• Homework / Lab reports [70%]
• Reading report [5%]
  • guided self learning of a topic
  • integrates with a lab and hands-on testing
• Final project [25%]
  • builds off from labs
  • leveraging 3D printing and robotics to build a robotic manipulator

Specific Course Policies

Labs

• We plan to have 4-person groups for the projects (5 groups per lab session). Some groups can be 3-person. Use the discussion board on Canvas to form your own lab groups within your section.

• Lab reports will be announced on the class canvas website. Submit a typed copy of your lab report directly on Canvas.

• No late lab reports will be accepted. Late reports are not fair to the graders and to other students. Submit what you have on time. You may submit revised/new sections of the report late, but with a 50% reduction in scores for those parts. The mechanism allows you to catch up if you fall behind. But the 50% penalty is fixed.

Tentative Class Schedule