What is Engineering?

• Webster’s Dictionary defines engineering

as “the practical application of science
and mathematics” as in the design and
construction of machines, vehicles,
structures, roads and systems.

Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

 Engineers are …
• Problem-based innovators that find
answers to ‘how things work.
Innovation
1. Doing things differently, exploring new territory, taking
risks.
2. Something new or improved, including research for
development of new technologies, refinement of existing
technologies, or development of new applications for
existing technologies.
3. A creation (a new device or process) resulting from
study and experimentation
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 Engineers are …
• Pragmatic scientists taught to problem
solve using process skills to implement
designs based on resources available.

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 Engineering Process
What is a process?
A procedure: a particular course of action intended to
achieve a result;
A designed sequence of operations or events, possibly
taking up time, space, expertise or other resource, which
produces some outcome.

Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering Identify the
Problem Define the
Problem

Process Brainstorm

Identify and
Propose Solutions

Develop Prototypes

Define the Test Prototypes

Prepare for Design

Review

Receive
Feedback

Choose a
Solution

Design Working Model

Test Model

Make Improvements
Based on Feedback
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Engineering Identify the
Problem Define the
Problem

Process Brainstorm

Develop
Propose Solutions

Develop Ideas
Develop Prototypes

Ideas Test Prototypes

(IDEATION) Prepare for Design

Review

Receive
Feedback

Choose a
Solution

Design Working Model

Test Model

Make Improvements
Based on Feedback
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Engineering Identify the
Problem Define the
Problem

Process Brainstorm

Refine the
Propose Solutions

Develop Ideas
Develop Prototypes

Design Test Prototypes

(REFINEMENT)
Refine the Design Prepare for Design
Review

Receive
Feedback

Choose a
Solution

Design Working Model

Test Model

Make Improvements
Based on Feedback
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
 Engineering Identify the
Problem Define the
Problem

Process Brainstorm

Develop the
Propose Solutions

Develop Ideas
Develop Prototypes

Solution Test Prototypes

(IMPLEMENTATION)
Refine the Design Prepare for Design
Review

Receive
Feedback

Choose a
Analyze the Solution
Solution

Design Working Model

Test Model

Make Improvements
Based on Feedback
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Engineering Identify the
Problem Define the
Problem

Process Brainstorm

Test! Develop Ideas

Propose Solutions

(REFINEMENT) Develop Prototypes

Test Prototypes

Refine the Design Prepare for Design

Review

Receive
Feedback

Choose a
Analyze the Solution
Solution

Design Working Model

Test Model

Make Improvements
Based on Feedback
Test, Test, Test
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Engineering Identify the
Problem Define the
Problem

Process Brainstorm

Test! Develop Ideas

Propose Solutions

(REFINEMENT) Develop Prototypes

Test Prototypes

Refine the Design Prepare for Design

Review

Receive
Feedback

Choose a
Analyze the Solution
Solution

Design Working Model

Test Model

Make Improvements
Based on Feedback
Test, Test, Test
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Engineering is an iterative process
Iteration is the repetition of a process.
It is the action or process of repeating. It is a procedure in
which repetition of a sequence of operations yields results
successively closer to a desired result.

Problem Engineering Solution

Innovation Feedback

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Engineering – continual improvement

Problem Engineering Solution

Innovation Feedback

When the development cycle is complete successful

companies complete market studies and look for ways to
improve their products.

Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

 Engineering is:
The practical application of applying math and science to
solve problems.
Innovation – a creation resulting from study and
experimentation.
A process - a particular course of action intended to achieve
a result.
Iterative - the process of making gradual improvements until
the best solution is achieved.
Continual improvement.

Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.