Online course teaches students how to produce useful and interesting robotic devices

Texas Instruments and Mouser are supporting the edX online course called The Mechatronics Revolution: Fundamentals and Core Concepts. In this course, students learn to harness the power of microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to produce beneficial and interesting robotic devices.

Never before has it been simpler to build robotic devices and computer-controlled machines. The convergence of low-cost embedded computers, sensors, and actuators has made experimentation and prototyping more accessible than ever. Course modules explore the mechatronics design process, embedded systems programming, fundamentals of microcontrollers, actuator control, and sensor interfacing. Through various hands-on labs, students can solidify their knowledge of core mechatronics concepts and obtain real-world experience in creating their mechatronic systems. Upon successful completion of the course, students are equipped with the fundamental knowledge they require to harness the Mechatronics Revolution.

A lab kit is necessary to complete this course. The TI-RSLK-Mechkit is a bundle comprising all of the essential lab supplies. The kit incorporates the TI RSLK MAX kit, an SN754410NE motor driver, an analog distance sensor, and a JST PH three-pin to female socket cable (200mm). It also incorporates a small alligator clip to male 6in jumper wire bundle (12 pieces), a 140-piece wire kit, a 1N5819 40V 1A Schottky diode, and small red PCB test points.