Methods for Managing Student-Driven Robotics Research

Robotics plays a major role in educating engineering students and can be integrated into a curriculum in many ways. Problem-based lecture courses allow only a limited technical complexity due to the number of their corresponding credit points. From all project categories described, long-term student-driven research projects are the most challenging regarding management. Several of such projects have been initiated at the Technische Universitat Berlin (TUB). One example is the rover SEAR which participated in space robotics competitions. During many years of experience in hands-on education, the major characteristics and challenges of student-driven projects were identified. Proven methods and good practices for addressing these challenges are discussed. If project leaders carefully respect all conditions of a student project, they can reduce the risks by implementing measures to keep a steady work-flow. Thus, the success rate of complex robotics research conducted by a student workforce can be increased significantly.