Application of AutomationStudio in Automation and Robotics: Learning Strategies for Educational Purposes

This thesis explores the potential of Automation Studio as an educational tool for teaching mechatronics engineering. Through the development and implementation of three practical projects, this research demonstrates how Automation Studio can bridge the gap between theory and practice, leading to a deeper understanding of engineering principles. The projects aim to highlight both the current potential of the software in terms of design and control of articulated mechanical systems controlled by fluid powered actuations, and to maximize the potential of the union of the 3D manager and the mechanism manager for the design and control of a mobile vertical platform (pantograph). Finally, the last aim is to propose the use of the software for the demonstration of the operation of manipulators with the calculation of the position of the arms, joints and end effector by writing the rotation matrices according to the DH convention. The projects focus on key areas such as the simulation of pneumatic systems, PLC programming, and the movement of components in a 3D environment, all of which are crucial aspects of mechatronics engineering. The first project introduces the Mechanism Manager, a tool that allows students to simulate the kinematic and dynamic behavior of mechanical systems. The second project focuses on the 3D modeling capabilities of Automation Studio, guiding students through the process of importing 3D drawings, assembling components, and simulating their movements in a virtual environment. The third project explores the application of the Denavit-Hartenberg convention for robotic arm kinematics, providing students with a practical understanding of coordinate frames, transformations, and rotation matrices. The proposed projects n.2 and n.3 are being analyzed by the company for possible implementation as examples for their demonstration tutorials in training. The use of Automation Studio in an educational setting offers several benefits. It allows students to visualize and interact with complex systems in a safe and controlled environment, which can be particularly helpful for understanding abstract concepts or those that are difficult to demonstrate physically. Automation Studio also provides a platform for students to develop and test their own designs, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the software’s user-friendly interface and extensive libraries make it accessible to students with varying levels of technical expertise. While Automation Studio offers numerous benefits for educational purposes, there are also some limitations to consider. The cost of the software may be prohibitive for some institutions. Additionally, instructors need to be adequately trained in using the software, which may require additional time and resources. Finally, the educational version of the software has a limit of the maximum number of components that can be used, as it is intended for simple projects. Despite these limitations, the potential benefits of Automation Studio for enhancing the learning experience in mechatronics engineering are significant. The integration of Automation Studio into the mechatronics engineering curriculum can lead to a more engaging and effective learning experience. Moreover, Automation Studio can facilitate collaborative learning, as students can work together to design, simulate, and analyze complex systems.