A Problem Based Approach to Mechatronics Using Formula Sae

The School of Engineering of the University of Bergamo offers a new curriculum in Mechatronics that combines the traditional aspects of mechanical engineering with additional knowledge on electronics, automation and robotics. The study plan of this curriculum includes the course of Functional Design of Mechatronic Systems (6 ECTS) and an elective lab on Mechatronic Systems (17 ECTS), where all the competencies, acquired in several courses, are applied to a project that students must accomplish grouped in small teams. In the past years, several projects (including also an experimental part) have been proposed, such as inverse pendulum modelling and control, design and control of a cartesian plotter, design and control of an autonomous two wheeled vehicle following a marked path. Motorsport is a topic that in general is very attractive and stimulating for the student, so we had the idea to add, as course project, the design of the tractive system of a competition electrical vehicle, according to the rules of formula SAE. Students highly appreciated this subject and, at the end of the course, a group of them proposed to kick off a University Team to participate, as a first step, to the static events of Formula SAE Electric.