Students can learn to harness the mechatronics revolution

Texas Instruments and Mouser Electronics have been supporting the edX online course called The Mechatronics Revolution: Fundamentals and Core Concepts. In this course, students can learn to harness the power of microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to construct useful and interesting robotic devices. It has never been easier to build robotic devices and computer-controlled machines. The confluence of low-cost embedded computers, sensors, and actuators has made prototyping and experimentation easier than ever.

Course modules explore the mechatronics design process, fundamentals of microcontrollers, actuator control, embedded systems programming, and sensor interfacing. Through several hands-on labs, students can solidify their knowledge of core mechatronics concepts and gain real-world experience in constructing their mechatronic systems. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be provided with the fundamental knowledge they require to harness the Mechatronics Revolution.

A lab kit is needed to complete this course. The TI-RSLK-Mechkit is a bundle comprising all of the required lab supplies. The kit includes the TI RSLK Max kit, a 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 6" jumper wire bundle (12 pieces), a 140-piece wire kit, a 1N5819 40V 1A Schottky diode, and small red PCB test points.