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Published VersionCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Book chapter
Students as Designers with Robotics and Control Systems
Creative Technologies Education: Students as Digital Designers, pp.138-156
Routledge
2026
Abstract
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 AustraliaDavid A Martin (Author) - Edith Cowan UniversityNatalie McMaster (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary AccessBen Zunica - The University of SydneyBronwyn Tregenza - Macquarie UniversityMartin Levins - University of New England
- Contributors
- Matt Bower (Editor) - Macquarie UniversityBelinda 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
- ISBN
- 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
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991130505402621
- Output Type
- Book chapter
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