Altair Case Studies Engineering Design Using a Small Autonomous Robot for Student Education at Aichi University Technology

	Engineering Design Using a Small Autonomous Robot for Student Education at Aichi University Technology Altair

Engineering Design Using a Small Autonomous Robot for Student Education at Aichi University Technology

Altair

Technology Category	Sensors - GPS Sensors - Haptic Sensors
Applicable Industries	Construction & Infrastructure Education
Applicable Functions	Product Research & Development
Use Cases	Autonomous Robots Autonomous Transport Systems
Services	Testing & Certification
Challenge	The importance of practical education for industrial engineering has been gaining recognition globally. Aichi University Technology (AUT) in Japan has been implementing many effective educational programs for students to acquire practical skills and knowledge. Among these, robot designing is one of the most effective for engineering design. As part of this initiative, AUT participated in a demonstration test competition aiming for future Mars exploration - A Rocket Launch for International Student Satellites (ARLISS). The challenge was to design an autonomous robot that could be launched from a rocket, land safely, and then autonomously travel to a specified target. The design process involved the use of computer-aided tools (CAD, CAM, CAE) and the evaluation of the stress in the robot’s structure. Read More
About Customer	Founded in 2000, Aichi University Technology (AUT) is an educational institution that focuses on providing comprehensive practical education for engineering design. As part of their educational approach, they have implemented various programs that allow students to acquire practical skills and knowledge. In 2017, they created an Internet of Things (IoT) special course for student engineers, recognizing the importance of IoT in future robot design. They also participate in events like A Rocket Launch for International Student Satellites (ARLISS) to provide their students with real-world design challenges. Read More
Solution	The design process of the autonomous robot involved several steps. The basic design was based on a sketch drawing using imagination and original ideas. After the basic design was performed by sketches, the detailed design was decided by concrete dimensions and 3D imaging using a CAD system. The prototype parts were manufactured using CAM and a 3D printer. After assembling the prototype, the practical design process was produced through extraction of the problem and creation of the improvement from evaluation tests. The robot body was designed by “monocoque” structure of CFRP, and two wheels were made using the urethane sponge for the impact absorber. The material of the sponge wheels was selected by means of evaluation of the impact absorber at touchdown using an acceleration sensor. For the final designed robot, HyperWorks was used for structural analysis to understand whether or not the robot meets the requirements. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Sensors - GPS

Sensors - Haptic Sensors

Applicable Industries

Construction & Infrastructure

Education

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Autonomous Robots

Autonomous Transport Systems

Services

Testing & Certification

Challenge

The importance of practical education for industrial engineering has been gaining recognition globally. Aichi University Technology (AUT) in Japan has been implementing many effective educational programs for students to acquire practical skills and knowledge. Among these, robot designing is one of the most effective for engineering design. As part of this initiative, AUT participated in a demonstration test competition aiming for future Mars exploration - A Rocket Launch for International Student Satellites (ARLISS). The challenge was to design an autonomous robot that could be launched from a rocket, land safely, and then autonomously travel to a specified target. The design process involved the use of computer-aided tools (CAD, CAM, CAE) and the evaluation of the stress in the robot’s structure.

About Customer

Founded in 2000, Aichi University Technology (AUT) is an educational institution that focuses on providing comprehensive practical education for engineering design. As part of their educational approach, they have implemented various programs that allow students to acquire practical skills and knowledge. In 2017, they created an Internet of Things (IoT) special course for student engineers, recognizing the importance of IoT in future robot design. They also participate in events like A Rocket Launch for International Student Satellites (ARLISS) to provide their students with real-world design challenges.

Solution

The design process of the autonomous robot involved several steps. The basic design was based on a sketch drawing using imagination and original ideas. After the basic design was performed by sketches, the detailed design was decided by concrete dimensions and 3D imaging using a CAD system. The prototype parts were manufactured using CAM and a 3D printer. After assembling the prototype, the practical design process was produced through extraction of the problem and creation of the improvement from evaluation tests. The robot body was designed by “monocoque” structure of CFRP, and two wheels were made using the urethane sponge for the impact absorber. The material of the sponge wheels was selected by means of evaluation of the impact absorber at touchdown using an acceleration sensor. For the final designed robot, HyperWorks was used for structural analysis to understand whether or not the robot meets the requirements.

Impact #1	The evaluation test showed no abnormality in the mechanical structure at the time of landing and running since the launch of the rocket and confirmed the demonstration of the structural analysis result. Through the fabrication of a small autonomous robot, AUT demonstrated the usefulness of a comprehensive technology design education method from both aspects of engineering method in structural design and electric circuit design in autonomous control design. This practical approach to education allows students to gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of the design process.

Impact #1

The evaluation test showed no abnormality in the mechanical structure at the time of landing and running since the launch of the rocket and confirmed the demonstration of the structural analysis result. Through the fabrication of a small autonomous robot, AUT demonstrated the usefulness of a comprehensive technology design education method from both aspects of engineering method in structural design and electric circuit design in autonomous control design. This practical approach to education allows students to gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of the design process.

Download PDF Version

Overview

Engineering Design Using a Small Autonomous Robot for Student Education at Aichi University Technology

Operational Impact