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Academics

Mission Statement

The Robotics Engineering program at WPI prepares undergraduates for work and advanced study in Robotics—the combination of sensing, computation and actuation in the real world.  Robotics is on the verge of rapid growth, driven by both supply and demand. The supply side is driven by decreasing cost and increasing availability of sensors, computing devices, and actuators. The demand side is driven by national needs for defense and security, elder care, automation of household tasks, customized manufacturing, and interactive entertainment.

Engineers currently working in the robotics industry are mostly trained in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Software Engineering. But no one of these disciplines provides the breadth demanded by Robotics in the future.  Thus the WPI Robotics Engineering program—the first in the nation—aims to provide students with both the disciplinary fundamentals and interdisciplinary outlook needed for success in this dynamic and growing new professional field.

Educational Program Objectives

The Robotics Engineering Program strives to educate men and women to

• Have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering.
• Apply these abstract concepts and practical skills to design and construct robots and robotic systems for diverse applications.
• Have the imagination to see how robotics can be used to improve society and the entrepreneurial background and spirit to make their ideas become reality.
• Demonstrate the ethical behavior and standards expected of responsible professionals functioning in a diverse society.

Educational Outcomes

Graduating students will have

• an ability to apply broad knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering,
• an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data,
• an ability to design a robotic system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability,
• an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams,
• an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems,
• an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility,
• an ability to communicate effectively,
• the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context,
• a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning,
• a knowledge of contemporary issues, and
• an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

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Last modified: August 30, 2007 18:29:53