The RoboCup Nanogram League: An Opportunity for Problem-Based Undergraduate Education in Microsystems

A problem-based learning approach was chosen for a new senior elective in microsystems. The problem posed to the students was to design microrobots suitable for the new ldquonanogram leaguerdquo of the international RoboCup competition, which challenges teams of students and researchers to construct microscopic untethered robots that will compete against each other in soccer-related agility drills on a 2.5 mm by 2.5 mm playing field. The approach was shown to increase student interest and motivation. The course was considered a success and will be repeated with some modifications to increase the breadth of the course coverage.