Mechatronics Fundamentals

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the future of engineering with our Mechatronics course.

In this course students will learn the architecture, design, programming, control, and operation of four-wheel drive unmanned ground vehicles. Course includes Arduino Development Environment, C programs, Neopixel LEDs, PS3 Bbluetooth joysticks, servo drivers, LiPo batteries. This exciting and fast-paced course is designed to give you practical hands-on understanding of the principles and practices involved in deploying unmanned vehicle systems. Participants will explore the fundamentals of vehicle architecture, ESP-32 computers, C programming, H-bridge motors, Neopixel LEDs, servo drivers, pan units, cameras, networks, and routers. Systems, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering students will benefit from this course by experiencing how their discipline interacts with other fields of engineering.

Course Highlights:

• Introduction to Mechatronics
• Preprogrammed Motor Control
• Neopixel Light Emitting Diode (LED) theory and control
• Bluetooth Joystick  integration into vehicle and system control
• Joystick control and operation of vehicles, sensors and effectors
• Remote sensor data direct WiFi transmission and acquisition

Course Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate modification and generation of C programs that control motors, lights and servo devices as well as acquire and process analog inputs
• Generate multiple waypoint navigation scenarios using excel
• Program, demonstrate and verify compliance to the preprogrammed maneuvers
• Calculate and measure speed turn rate and distance traveled
• Demonstrate how to input joystick buttons to a computer and modification of the joystick internal address
• Program PS3 bluetooth joystick real-time control of motors, neopixel light strings, pan units and cameras
• Compare and contrast H-bridge vs pulse width modulated motors
• Generate Neopixel LED motor head/tail light control and explain Neopixel light theory and operation
• Learn the basics of factory automation, home security or any system that acquires sensor data from remote locations.
  • Processing analog sensors via ESP-32s. Each ESP-32 outputs data to the PC Arduino monitor
  • Reprogram each ESP-32 with ESP NOW direct WiFi to WiFi communication (no router required). Select data from one or all ESP-32s. This data is accessible for further processing and action. 
    Multiple Receiver ESCs can be connected to the Senders allowing you to customize selection and processing from different receiver locations. 

Course Typically Offered: In-class in every quarter.

Hardware: WindowsWin 10 or newer, 64 bitsWindowsMSI installerWindowsZIP file. macOSIntel, 10.14: “Catalina” or newer, 64 bitsmacOSApple Silicon, 11: “Big Sur” or newer, 64 bits.

Software: Arduino Integrated Development (I.D.E) 2.3.2. Free download available from Arduino.

Prerequisites: A background in any Engineering discipline as well as working knowledge of general arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, and C programming language is recommended but not required.

Next Step: After completing this course, consider taking courses in our Embedded Systems Engineering or Systems Engineering programs.

Contact: For more information about this course, please email unexengr@ucsd.edu.