A Mechatronics (And Material Handling Systems) Course: Classroom Topics, Laboratory Experiments, And Project

Abstract

The material handling and logistics industry encompasses the movement, control, and storage of products in both manufacturing and distribution environments. The mechatronics field, which integrates concepts from traditional engineering disciplines, has been extensively applied within material handling systems to achieve precise product movement. The presentation of mechatronic system concepts, within a material handling framework, allows practical classroom exercises, laboratory experiments, and design projects. In this paper, the multi-disciplinary mechatronics (and material handling systems) course will be presented. The classroom materials introduce sensors, actuators, control theory, human factors, electric power, electronics, electric motor, and systems integration as encountered in typical manufacturing scenarios. Further, students learn and practice leadership, team building, collaborative learning, and project management skills to help accomplish the laboratory and project activities. A series of laboratory assignments have been developed for students to gain hands-on experience with electronics, programmable logic controllers, industrial robots, conveyors, instrumentation, and data acquisition. The initial exercises establish a basis to program and network multiple PLCs, command the movement of a robotic arm, and then integrate these elements into a smart conveyor system under automated control for product distribution. The remaining laboratory activities focus on electronic circuits, and vibration experiments with accompanying data acquisition and theoretical analysis. Lastly, a design project offers an open-ended multi-faceted opportunity to apply a robotic arm, conveyors, bar code reader, color sensor, and networked PLCs to accomplish the tasks of identification, sorting, and conveyor transport to fulfill product orders.