Wireless, Web-controlled, ball-collecting robot: an engineering and computer science cluster course

A senior engineering design and a computer science capstone course are clustered for an interdisciplinary experience. In the fall of 2002, students designed and implemented a wireless, Web-controlled, ball-collecting robot. A single computer, configured as a Web server, controls access and wirelessly sends commands to the robot. Students developed a full set of specifications for the robot and Web server system and maintained a project management plan and schedule throughout the semester. Unique aspects of the course include an electronic project log that is shared using a course information system and a peer evaluation system that constitutes a significant portion of the final grade. The course allows students to explore their disciplines further, gain experience working in interdisciplinary teams, and learn the importance of technical communication via a final design report and presentation. Nearly all of the students reported that they learned more working in an interdisciplinary setting than they would have working only in their discipline.