2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence into Mechanical Engineering with Amazon DeepRacer

Presented at MECH - Technical Session 5: Virtual Learning and Technology Integration

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting the world similarly to how Industrial Revolution and Digital Revolution impacted the world in 18th and 20th centuries. The influence of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future is inevitable and crucial for students in any major to acquire the skills needed to utilize AI in their respective fields and careers. One of the most effective approaches to introducing a new topic is by involving students in competitions. Amazon DeepRacer offers an excellent opportunity to introduce Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to the student body, providing essential tools and training to get started. In this study, a group of Mechanical Engineering students at The Citadel formed the artificial intelligence (AI) club and trained an Amazon DeepRacer car to follow a predefined trail. This study details the steps we took to train the car and compete in Amazon DeepRacer competition among senior military colleges

Authors

Dr. Pooya Niksiar The Citadel [biography]

Dr. Niksiar is assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering Department at The Citadel. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, his M.Sc. from K. N. Toosi University of Technology and his B.Sc. from Isfahan University of Technology, Iran. Prior to joining The Citadel, he was a lecturer at Clemson University. His research includes the design and development of advanced functional porous materials for bio applications. He has published several peer-reviewed journal papers in the area of his research, has received grant form NASA and Amazon has been reviewer for several journals. Dr. Niksiar is teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the area of thermal and fluid Sciences, aerodynamics, materials, design, measurements and numerical methods.
Blakeley Hunter Odom The Citadel [biography]

Blakeley Odom is a bachelor’s student in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The Citadel with an expected graduation date of May 2024. He is also part of The Citadel Master of Mechanical Engineering Program with an expected graduation date in 2025.

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