2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This action-based research paper details the development of a low-cost robotics system and the integration of fabrication micro-credentials into an introductory Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) course for computer science students. Historically, computer science student participation in campus makerspaces has been low compared to other engineering disciplines. To address this, the course curriculum required students to fabricate a custom autonomous robot based on the Open Robotic Platform (ORP), utilizing laser cutting and 3D printing after being certified in the appropriate machinery. The resulting platform costs approximately $50 and is programmed using MicroPython.

The study analyzes makerspace equipment usage data and student surveys to evaluate the intervention's impact. Results from the Fall 2025 semester show a significant increase in makerspace usage by computer science students, reaching a five-year peak and exceeding 10% of total users. Furthermore, 75% of students who had never used the makerspace reported they were more likely to use it in the future, and 69% indicated they would value displaying the associated digital credentials on their resumes. These findings suggest that curriculum-integrated fabrication projects can effectively bring students into makerspaces and increase makerspace engagement.