2021 NSF ECR Workforce

Development Workshop

About this event

New Frontier of Mechatronics for Alternative Energy and Aerospace Engineering

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary science integrating the knowledge from electronics, mechanics, control theory, robotics, computer, and even biomedical and chemical engineering fields. The recent growing convergence research emphasized on integrating knowledge, methods, and expertise from different disciplines and forming novel frameworks to catalyze scientific discovery and innovation. Mechatronics matches this new trend of convergence engineering research for deep integration across disciplines and is also inspired by its active means of addressing a specific challenge or opportunity for societal needs.

Most of the current workforces were trained from the conventional education system, and there is a critical need for an interdisciplinary approach to engineering education. Curricula of colleges and universities should address interdisciplinary learning to match current mechatronics workforce needs. Mechatronics can be introduced to prepare readiness of K-12 students in the STEM areas.

Goals and Activities

In the workshop, the current challenges and future trends of both markets and technologies in mechatronics will be discussed by industry personnel, and the latest inventions and research of mechatronics technologies will be presented by university faculty and researchers. Engineering education faculty and K-12 teachers will contribute their experiences and idea of new teaching methodologies and tools, especially innovative technologies such as design software, microcontrollers (Arduino and Raspberry Pi), and extended reality (VR, AR, MR). Experts will also discuss social and economic impacts of mechatronics technology development and the growth of workforce of mechatronics in production industries.

Mode

Hybrid conference with both online and in-person presentations/activities/demonstrations