Revamping Robotics Education via University, Community College and Industry Partnership - Year 1 Project Progress

Abstract

Sergeyev's research interests include high energy laser propagation through the turbulent atmosphere, developing advanced control algorithms for wavefront sensing and mitigating effects of the turbulent atmosphere, digital inline holography, digital signal processing, and laser spectroscopy. Dr. Sergeyev is a member of ASEE, IEEE, SPIE and is actively involved in promoting engineering education. Dr. Nasser Alaraje, Michigan Technological University Mr. James Walker, Michigan Technological UniversityJames Walker holds an M.S. in computer science from Michigan Technological University, where he currently performs virtual reality research in pursuit of his Ph.D. He was the lead software developer for the robotics simulator described in this paper.c American Society for Engineering Education, 2016 Revamping Robotics Education via University, Community College and Industry Partnership -Year 1 Project Progress AbstractRecently, educators have worked to improve STEM education at all levels, but challenges remain. Capitalizing on the appeal of robotics is one strategy proposed to increase STEM interest. The interdisciplinary nature of robots, which involve motors, sensors, and programs, make robotics a useful STEM pedagogical tool. There is also a significant need for industrial certification programs in robotics. Robots are increasingly used across industry sectors to improve production throughputs while maintaining product quality. The benefits of robotics, however, depend on workers with up-to-date knowledge and skills to maintain and use existing robots, enhance future technologies, and educate users. It is critical that education efforts respond to the demand for robotics specialists by offering courses and professional certification in robotics and automation. This, NSF sponsored, project introduces a new approach for Industrial Robotics in electrical engineering technology (EET) programs at Michigan Tech and Bay de noc Community College. The curriculum and software developed by this collaboration of two-and four-year institutions will match industry needs and provide a replicable model for programs around the US. The project also addresses the need for certified robotic training centers (CRTCs) and provides curriculum and training opportunities for students from other institutions, industry representatives, and displaced workers. Resources developed via this project will be disseminated through a variety of means, including workshops, conferences, and publications. This paper addresses the developments of the project during its first year phase.

Assessing the Efficacy of RoboTeach Extension Project on Public School Teachers

“…The use of robots can create a non-traditional educational setting that stimulates the curiosity, learning excitement, inventiveness and self-confidence of students (Eguchi, 2017). STEM education may be increased by developing an efficient, industry-oriented training program on educational robots and the efficacy of the implementation of robotics in education depends on the learners capability to adopt, sustain, maintain, enhance and transfer the technology (Sergeyev et al, 2016).…”

Board # 74 : University, Community College and Industry Partnership: Revamping Robotics Education to Meet 21st Century Workforce Needs – Year 2 Progress

“…These courses are: RealTime Robotics Systems, Handling Tool Operation and Programming, and Robot Operations. Authors have already reported on these developments [51][52][53][54][55] and therefore the detailed description of these courses is omitted here.…”

“…The list of certification programs already in place and currently developing as part of this project are listed below. The authors have provided a detailed description of each certification option in the previous publications [51][52][53][54][55] and therefore are omitted here. As a way to encourage more (and more diverse students) to consider careers in robotics, faculty members from Bay College and Michigan Tech will promote robotics automation to K-12 teachers and high school students.…”

Revamping Robotics Education to Meet 21st Century Workforce Needs- Years 1-2 Progress Reports

“…Authors have already reported on these developments [51][52][53][54][55] and therefore the detailed description of these courses is omitted here.…”

“…The list of certification programs already in place and currently developing as part of this project are listed below. The authors have provided a detailed description of each certification option in the previous publications [51][52][53][54][55] and therefore are omitted here. and programming with FANUC robots and the "RobotRun" simulation software.…”