High school students build robots and print quadcopters in AUS mechanical engineering camp

More than 30 students from 23 UAE schools learned how to program a robot and print a quadcopter as part of their participation in the Mechanical Engineering Boot Camp held at American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently.

Sponsored by Petrofac, as part of an ongoing collaboration between academia and industry, and organized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the bi-annual camp was offered to high school students in grades 10 to 12 to help them learn more about the field of mechanical engineering.

“Students enjoyed the practical and hands-on experience and made friends along the way. The camp helped some of them discover mechanical engineering while allowing others to get deeper knowledge about this discipline. This camp unleashed student’s creativity, and we expect this event to play a big part in helping them with selecting their future career.” said Rami Ali, Laboratory Instructor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and boot camp organizer.

Divided into two groups, students worked closely with faculty members from the department to design and 3D print several objects including a quadcopter; develop their computational thinking in robotics by building and programming functional robots using the LEGO EV3 robotics kit; gain hands-on experience in designing and fabricating microfluidic chips to analyze DNA samples and sit through a crash course on mechatronics.

“When we designed the boot camp, we wanted students to understand that mechanical engineering can be a fascinating and fun domain. Imagine what it would feel like to still be in high school but learn to 3d print a quadcopter or produce renewable energy. By engaging the students in these exciting projects, we were able at the same time to build their critical thinking and communication skills and teach them how to work within a team. We offered them an unforgettable campus experience,” said Dr. Mamoun Abdel-Hafiz, Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at AUS.

He added: “By working with talented students at the school level, we are ensuring that future generations are aware of national and global opportunities and needs in the field, which helps them make informed decisions about their future. Our focus in the College of Engineering is to graduate innovators and global citizens who can contribute to the UAE knowledge economy and solve global problems. The boot camp is one step towards achieving that.”

Speaking on the occasion, M Narasimham, Head of Discipline – Mechanical Engineering at Petrofac, said: “At Petrofac, we are committed to supporting STEM education initiatives. The boot camps we have partnered with AUS to deliver allows young people to explore new exciting areas within our industry. I’m sure many of them may now be interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector.”

Nishant Sood, a grade 11 student at Sharjah English School, said that she enjoyed the boot camp and found it educational.

“Not only did I make friends along the way, but I was also able to experience different aspects of mechanical engineering that helped me understand what this field is about. The instructors were always there to assist me when I was not sure what to do and were very supportive. The boot camp at AUS was well-equipped and I was able to get hands-on experience using tools like a spot welder, bending machines and so much more. All the modules included practical activities which made it even more fun,” she said.

The experience was also fulfilling to Srujan Bhirud, a grade 12 student at The Indian High School, who said: “I really liked working in teams and with a partner, as well as being able to take home some of the objects we made like the grill, the hammer, and the laser printed plates. All the lessons were very informative and to be able to do actual mechanical engineering work was a great experience.”

The AUS Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a bachelor’s degree program and a master’s degree program in mechanical engineering. The department’s 15 state-of-the art labs in a variety of specializations offer students hands-on experience and practical knowledge.

For more information about these programs, visit www.aus.edu/cen/departments/department-of-mechanical-engineering.