Director: 
I Charles Ume, Ph.D.
Professor

Graduate Assistant:
Matt Rogge (Laboratory Development TA)

Acknowledgements  
Lab was equipped with:
A $180k grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and The Georgia Institute of Technology.
Funds from the Georgia Tech Technology Fund
Funds fromSiemens Automation and Drives

Mechatronic Courses:
ME 4447:  Microprocessor Control of Manufacturing Systems
ME 6405:  Introduction to Mechatronics

What is Mechatronics?
Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic control, and systems thinking in the design of products and manufacturing processes. It is a relatively new concept relating to the design of systems, devices, and products aimed at achieving an optimal balance between basic mechanical structure and its overall control.

Vision Statements

Prepare Mechanical Engineering Graduates:

• To be able to design and build electro-mechanical systems and products
• For industrial positions
• To succeed as researchers in graduate schools.

How Are Vision Statements Accomplished?

• Class lectures
• Lab assignments
• Final group projects
• Oral presentations
• Report writings
• Collaborative learning (working in teams)

Course Format

• In-Class Lectures
• Class meets 2 hours per week
• Lecturing is done by instructor
• Students can participate in lecturing (Optional)
• Laboratory Experience
• Done in groups of 3 students
• Each group of 3 students spends on the average 4 hours per week in the lab
• Laboratory assignments
• Reverse engineering (design for tomorrow based on today?s and yesterday?s designs)
• Interfacing host computer with MC68HC11 and sequencing light emitting diodes
• Strain gauge data acquisition using A/D conversion
• DC motor control using interrupts and pulse width modulation (real-time control)
• Each lab assignment is demonstrated and lab report turned in
• Final Group Project
• Done in groups of 3 students
• Each group conceives their own project (instructor helps to refine it)
• Project design and implementation guidelines are given out early in the Quarter
• Projects are presented (every group member must present)
• Reports are turned in

The Following Are Typical Student Projects:
 

•   Crazy J (Automated Guitar Player)
•   Cash O Matic (Cash Dispenser)
•   Intelligent Floor Cleaner
•   Plant Care System
•   Autonomous Search Vehicle
•   Input Shaper on a Simple Pendulum
•   An Automated Coffee Bean Selector
•   Intelligent Baby Monitor
•   Smart Alarm for a House
•   Simulation of Hybrid Electric Vehicle's  Control
•   An Automated Card Dealer
•   Semi-Automated Shift System for GT Motorsports
•   Hobbyist?s 3-Axis Mill
•   Fish Feeder and Lighting Control
•   Remote Access Home Controller
•   Two Dimensional Laser Imaging System