Introduction to Engineering Design and Robotic Manufacturing

Have you ever wanted to bring your physical ideas to life but did not know where to start? Designing and manufacturing mechanical systems requires a solid understanding of engineering principles, material properties, and assembly techniques. This text-based course guides you from raw concepts to structured mechanical designs, focusing on the fundamentals of building functional robotic systems. You will transition from theoretical physics concepts to practical engineering decisions, learning how to select materials, calculate loads, and plan manufacturing processes. What you will learn: Understand foundational mechanical engineering concepts and design terminology; Analyze material properties to select the right metals, plastics, and composites for your project; Apply principles of linkages, gear trains, and basic actuators to create motion; Practice sketching and planning mechanical assemblies with clear tolerances; Learn modern rapid prototyping workflows and how to design for manufacturability. We begin with the core principles of physics and mechanical design before moving into the specifics of component selection, structural integrity, and assembly planning. This course is designed entirely for beginners with no prior engineering or robotics experience. Start reading today and build your foundational skills in mechanical design and manufacturing.