2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Controlling and monitoring mechatronic systems has become increasingly important in mechanical engineering, and therefore needs to be addressed in the mechanical engineering curriculum. The rise of open-source compact platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi has led to easier access, but also potential confusion on when to use which system. Arguments can frequently be heard in faculty meetings: “Arduino is the best!” “No! PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are always the best option.” “Well, actually, from my experience, NI (National Instruments) equipment works best.” The reality is that almost any project can likely be “completed” by any of these platforms. As with all things in engineering there are tradeoffs and we should seek an optimal solution. What that optimal solution is, what metrics should be considered, and how they are weighted are very dependent on the application at hand. The point of this work is not to advocate that one is clearly the best but rather that it is necessary as engineers and educators to introduce engineering students to multiple platforms and help them navigate how to select a platform for a given application. This paper explores a variety of potential metrics and how each platform performs in each metric. Illustrative examples from mechanical engineering courses and capstone projects are used to provide additional context. Examples include platform selection for an introduction to mechatronics course, a controller for a safety system for the [REDACTED] (capstone project), and selecting data acquisition units for a design of experiments project in a junior-level mechanical engineering course.

These metrics are combined into an easy to use and adaptable decision matrix that can be applied in a variety of contexts. It is presented with illustrative examples and feedback is being sought on the utility of such a method. Additionally, supervising personnel will come with their own set of knowledge, experiences, and potential biases. These can play a large role in the process, and need to be addressed. Strategies for mitigating the negative effects of this and harnessing the benefits of experience are also presented.