Project description
The "INTERACT" project is based on a scalable real-world laboratory that combines practical laboratory training with gamification approaches and problem-based learning. Students from electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science and other disciplines work together on real-life challenges such as sensor technology, automation, machine learning and real-time control. The interdisciplinary learning platform enables engineering methods to be compared with emerging AI approaches and promotes critical thinking about the opportunities and risks of modern AI technologies. Student teams of different educational levels gain practical experience in communication, project management and problem solving. INTERACT strengthens practical skills, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and prepares students specifically for the requirements of modern STEM professions. At the same time, the platform is made available as an open educational resource so that it can be shared sustainably.
Everything at a glance
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Duration
01.01.2024 - 01.06.2025 (Ongoing) -
Research area
Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Mechatronics -
Funding
Quality improvement funds (QVM): €16,000
Research methods & approach
WP1 - Technical specification
Specific requirements are defined for the platform, such as minimum and maximum dimensions, transportability or the achievable dynamics of the traversing axes / racket movement. The result of this WP is an elaborated specification sheet.
WP2 - Component selection and design planning
The platform is digitally designed using CAD software and the appropriate components (e.g. robotic traversing axes, sensors, central computing node, air control in the base plate and blower, signal conditioning, etc.) are selected. The result of this WP is an elaborated specification sheet including design drawings.
WP3 - Procurement
The components defined in WP2 will be procured on the basis of market research to obtain comparative offers.
WP4 - Mechanical and electrical design
First, the basic mechanical structure of the air hockey table, including a blower to lift the puck using airflow, is implemented. Then, the robotic travel axes and sensors for monitoring the playing field are added. All sensors and actuators converge in a central real-time computing node for automation and monitoring of the robotic air hockey table.
WP5 - Safety features
Since this is a mobile, robotic structure, there are inherent risks for people working on the project and future users (players). In addition to a manual emergency stop chain, redundant and autonomous sensors for detecting hazardous situations (e.g., light barriers for monitoring the playing field or contact sensors on the moving parts) are installed in the platform, which cause the platform to shut down automatically in relevant situations.
WP6 - Initial start-up
Starting with signal tests, the connection of all sensors and actuators of the platform to the computing node is checked. This is followed by the initial commissioning of the table in manual mode via human input to ensure the basic functionality of all actuators and sensors in typical travel and movement patterns. This is accompanied by a safety and risk analysis in accordance with laboratory regulations.
Funding body
Quality improvement funds provided to the University of Siegen by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are used to finance a wide variety of projects that improve teaching and/or study conditions.
This funding line provides financial resources to support innovative university teaching (analog/digital) at the University of Siegen for six-month pilot projects to develop, test and evaluate analog and/or digital teaching, learning and/or examination formats. All teaching staff at the University of Siegen are eligible to apply.