2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Python is extensively used in different engineering fields due to its versatility, simplicity, and a wide range of libraries tailored for engineering applications. Python's extensive ecosystem of libraries, combined with its ease of use and flexibility, makes it a popular choice for mechatronics education development across various domains, including industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, drones, and humanoid robots. In engineering colleges, the gap between teaching coding and implementing it on existing hardware affects the students' interest in advancing in programming and their understanding of the unlimited capabilities of Python. Integrating experimental sessions in engineering colleges can bridge this gap and align raw coding concepts with real-world applications.
This paper presents a novel low-cost robotics testbench (RTB) and Raspberry Pi-based robot controller (PRC) for teaching Python with application to robotics in mechatronics education. The robotic testbench, controller, and associated experiments enable the students to learn Python's foundation while operating several actuators and sensors. The testbench and controller were designed, built, and tested for use in a hands-on robotics course for sophomore engineering students, which requires extensive prototyping of robotic mechanisms. In the laboratory session associated with Python programming, the students learn how to operate and control different types of DC motors, stepper motors, servo motors, and linear actuators. Then, the students use the testbench to collect and export data using tracking and measurement sensors. The testbench consists of frames, a collection of motors and sensors. The controller was developed to operate six DC motors, five servo motors, and four sensors. Incorporating this testbench and experiment into mechatronics engineering courses will increase student engagement and facilitate a deeper understanding of coding using Python. The developed testbench and controller are low-cost, portable, and straightforward to replicate. This paper presents the testbench design, bill of materials, and case studies of experiments and measurements.