An integrated undergraduate research experience in control, power electronics, and design using a Micromouse

This paper presents a Micromouse project-integrated with the power electronics undergraduate curriculum — as part of a complete undergraduate research experience. The project had several objectives: a) challenge the programming skills of the students, b) teach team integration for an efficient hardware and software development, c) solve engineering problems in order to have a better Micromouse design. Undergraduate student participation is further ensured by linking the Micromouse project to microprocessor programming, electromechanical applications, and other classes. After this research experience the undergraduate students will expand their knowledge on software, hardware, and design using an entertaining but fairly complicated project. Finally, the project will benefit the department in enhancing classroom instruction as well as student retention, graduate school recruitment, and a hands-on experience.