The Integrated Application of Microcontrollers in the Team-Based ‘Design and Make’ Project

Abstract

This paper describes a mechatronics-based project which is part of the first-year Design and Manufacture course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol. The project introduces students to the use of novel and integrated microcontrollers as part of a complete product development cycle. The project involves the design and manufacture of a microcontroller-based vending machine in an active learning environment. This is a team-based project carried out over two terms; it lasts 60 hours, spread over seven weeks in the spring term and a one-week ***post-examination build phase in the summer term. Many of the engineering principles learned are applied in order to conceive, detail, cost, plan and build a vending machine to a product design specification, mirroring industrial product development. The nature of the project allows students to learn about the interface of sensors and actuators through the use of a recently adopted microcontroller package.