Using Stiquito in an introduction to engineering skills and design course

Abstract

The nature of problems that engineers must solve varies among the different branches of engineering. Although engineers may use different steps in their design processes, most processes include the following: identifying the problem; gathering needed information; searching for creative solutions; modeling, evaluating and selecting a preferred solution; planning; and implementation. Engineering design is the creative process of identifying needs and then devising practical solutions to fill those needs. The general procedure for completing a good engineering design can be called "the engineering method of creative problem solving". A course that introduces these concepts, discusses different engineering disciplines and provides hands-on activities can provide an effective introduction to engineering for beginning students. North Carolina State University, USA, conducted a course in the fall of 1996 that used the micro-robot Stiquito to teach students about engineering design and project implementation. The Stiquito robot is a small, inexpensive, six-legged robot that is intended as a research and educational tool. This paper describes the course and how Stiquito was used as a key part in it. It also discusses details from student evaluations of the course.