Students as Designers with Robotics and Control Systems

Katie  Waters; David A Martin; Natalie McMaster; Ben Zunica; Bronwyn  Tregenza; Martin  Levins

doi:10.4324/9781003490715-10

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Students as Designers with Robotics and Control Systems

Book chapter

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Students as Designers with Robotics and Control Systems

Katie Waters, David A Martin, Natalie McMaster, Ben Zunica, Bronwyn Tregenza and Martin Levins

Creative Technologies Education: Students as Digital Designers, pp.138-156

Routledge

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003490715-10

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Abstract

Science, technology and engineering curriculum and pedagogy

Curriculum and pedagogy

The chapter defines and explores the core concepts of robotics and control systems from the broader perspective of ‘ mechatronics’, highlighting the integration of systems, design, and computational ways of thinking that may not be as comprehensive if strictly limited to the more familiar but slightly narrower ‘robotics and control systems’. Due to their role in society and relevance to the future workplace, they make for a rich and meaningful learning context for education. This includes a focus on the integration of systems that combine electronics and physical structures with digital devices and systems. Examples of mechatronics are provided from simple robotics suitable for early age groups to more advanced projects that may involve mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic systems with concomitant increases in programming language complexity. There is an emphasis on playful experimentation, structured modelling, student agency, and the freedom to be creative as important for students as they develop a deep understanding of mechatronics and their applications. It addresses the benefits, issues, and pedagogical considerations for developing students as designers of robotics, offering practical examples that shed light on the challenges and opportunities in integrating mechatronics into the curriculum.

Details

Title: Students as Designers with Robotics and Control Systems
Authors: Katie Waters - University of Newcastle Australia
David A Martin (Author) - Edith Cowan University
Natalie McMaster (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary Access
Ben Zunica - The University of Sydney
Bronwyn Tregenza - Macquarie University
Martin Levins - University of New England
Contributors: Matt Bower (Editor) - Macquarie University
Belinda von Mengersen (Editor)
Publication details: Creative Technologies Education: Students as Digital Designers, pp.138-156
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.4324/9781003490715-10; 10.4324/9781003490715
Copyright note: This chapter has been made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.
Organisation Unit: Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; STEM in Education Research Theme
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991130505402621
Output Type: Book chapter

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