Integrating Additive Manufacturing and Robotics in Interdisciplinary Freshman Engineering Education

The future engineer is required to solve the challenges posed by Industry 4.0 technologies that span multiple disciplines. This demonstrates the need for interdisciplinary engineering education. Engineering courses that incorporate multi-disciplinary topics such as advanced manufacturing, programming, computer-aided design, and electronics are essential in developing the required skills.  In this study, we describe how additive manufacturing (3D-Printing) and robotics-based project activities were incorporated in a freshman undergraduate engineering class at Kettering University. The class consisted of students from a diverse group of engineering disciplines which included mechanical, industrial, electrical, and computer engineering.  Unlike traditional lecture-based courses, this class follows a hands-on project-based learning model that gives the student teams enough room to explore multiple design ideas. These designs were realized using CNC machining and/or additive manufacturing. These manufactured products were used by the students to re-design a robot to compete in a final class competition. Assessment of student learning outcomes for engineering design and teamwork are presented. Student self-evaluation of their teamwork was assessed using a peer evaluation rubric. The engineering design outcome was assessed based on a design portfolio that included reflection statements, engineering documentation, design and innovation statements, and a design log that documented the design process followed. Continuous improvement to the course curriculum was implemented based on the findings from the assessment data.