Junior STEM Program

Robotic Design and Application for Daily Tasks

Faculty Advisor: Assistant Professor, Systems Engineering, United States Military Academy

Research Program Introduction

Robots are changing the world. From simple, repetitive movements to complex tasks, robots are making our lives easier, more efficient, and more comfortable.

This program will teach students a robotic design process encompassing problem definition, research, and initial design, prototyping, building, programming, testing, and system evaluation. Students will learn about complex robotic design and application while applying engineering fundamentals throughout the robotics design process. Students will also develop communication skills to present their final robotic design upon completion of the final project.

Final Deliverables

Students will implement the robotic design process to design a robot to carry out tasks in their day-to-day lives. They can also choose to design a robot to perform other tasks after receiving instructor approval. The tasks will need to be suitable for a robot to carry out, which includes the following features:

  • Items the robot interacts with are static (not moving).

  • The tasks can be programmed through a series of X, Y, and Z coordinates.

  • Visual feedback on the task being completed is not required.

  • The tasks are repetitive in nature.

  • The robot completes the tasks with a level of accuracy.

  • You are only designing the robot, not building one.

Possible Design Tasks for Students

  • Meal prep tasks: for example, cutting vegetables

  • Cleaning tasks: for example, mopping or vacuuming a floor

  • Outdoor tasks: for example, mowing the lawn

  • Appliance-related tasks: for example, turning on lights

  • Picking tasks

  • Situational awareness tasks

  • Or other tasks after receiving instructor approval

Program Details

  • Cohort size: This cohort is limited to 5 to 10 students

  • Duration: 12 weeks

  • Workload: Average 3 hours per week (including class and homework time)

  • Target students: 7 to 9th graders interested in Robotics, Engineering and Coding. Students must be fluent in English and demonstrate self-management skills. This project is best for students with genuine curiosity in the subject, diligence, and initiative. 

  • Schedule: TBD. Meetings will take place for around one hour per week, with a weekly meeting day and time to be determined one week prior to the class start date.