A Multidisciplinary Mechatronics Program: From Project-Based Learning to a Community-Based Approach on an Open Platform

Abstract

To face contemporary problems, international engineers must be trained in advanced learning environments and with professional skills and knowledge. Sponsored by USAID (US Agency for International Development), the Build-IT (Building University-Industry Learning and Development through Innovation and Technology) program leverages the vast capabilities of the implementing partner from Arizona State University and plays a key role as an innovative pioneer in converging personalities from various fields. A well-educated engineer can contribute to the sustainable development of society. With the aim of building community-oriented education, an integrated strategy was proposed in which a problem-based learning method is investigated to apply technical knowledge. In accordance with this strategy, in our proposed method, students from Mechatronics Engineering first had to work together with other learners in the electronics, software, control automation, and mechanics fields, followed by the design of an open platform integrated multi-disciplinary approach. By collaborating with their peers in developing this hardware, students become better equipped with specialized knowledge. This process also allows students to feel confident in implementing their innovative thinking while still maintaining the core meaning of the instrument. One of the key benefits of this approach is that helping students overcome their problems concurrently enhances the engineer’s function in the community despite missing some specialized skill sets. Based on experimental works using this open framework, the present approach demonstrates that pupils in our program have sufficient ability to contribute to social achievements. Lastly, the feasible, low-cost, and visually educational instrument made by the participants showcases the value of such a multi-disciplinary approach.