The development and design of an educational carrier for mechatronics

Abstract

This paper presents development and design for a research project and a course which can improve students’ learning and achievements. The base model and advanced model for an “autonomous line-tracking car” will be used in class and serve as a teaching tool. In the base model (a cds photo resistor autonomous line-tracking car), the cds photo resistor will be used as a sensor. The base model will be adopted as a midterm topic in the “Introduction to Mechatronics” course and will provide a pre-test questionnaire and guidebook. This guidebook will help the student become familiar with the course. A post-test questionnaire will be handed out at the conclusion of the course to provide an understanding of each students progress. In the advanced model (a micro-controlled self-propelled vehicle), a PIC18F4520 will be used as the controller that combines the ultrasonic sensor and cds photo resistor. The car will be able to automatically proceed along a black line and along the edge of a wall avoiding any obstacle by using the ultrasonic sensor and the cds photo resistor.