Step into the world of modern engineering as you design, simulate, and bring to life your very own Mars rover!
In this hands-on course, you'll master powerful 3D design software used by professional engineers while learning the art and science of additive manufacturing. Transform your creative ideas into detailed digital models, test how your rover moves and operates in virtual space, and watch your designs come to life through 3D printing. Whether you dream of becoming an aerospace engineer or simply love building things, this course offers a thrilling introduction to the tools and techniques that are shaping the future of space exploration. Perfect for aspiring engineers and creative problem-solvers who want to turn their imagination into reality.
Through a combination of lectures and immersive hands-on activities, you will learn: the principles of CAD software for 3D modeling and assembly the basics of additive manufacturing, and its applications in engineering; and the design process, including requirements analysis and prototyping, motion studies and functional testing of mechanical systems.
2025 Pre-College SummerDATES PROGRAM FEE APPLICATION DEADLINE |
Experiential Learning
During this course, you will:
- Design components such as wheels, chassis, and robotic arms for a Mars rover using CAD software.
- Assemble and simulate the rover's functionality, including motion studies like wheel rotation and arm extension.
- Use 3D printing to prototype selected components.
- Create a final presentation showcasing the design process, technical insights, and functional prototype.
Instructor
Shikui Chen, PhD
Professor Shikui Chen is an Associate Professor at the State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook and the Director of the Computational Modeling, Analysis, and Design Optimization (CMADO) laboratory. His research focuses on developing new methodologies, algorithms, and tools to enable systematic design innovation and efficient additive manufacturing in engineering products, using topology optimization, applied mathematics, and computer science. Professor Chen's interests include structural shape and topology optimization for nonlinear, dynamic, multi-material, and multiphysics problems, with applications to the design of soft robots, metamaterials, and flexible electronics. His research has been funded by various US government and industry grants, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), GE, Ford, Toyota, Stratasys, and SUNY Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Network of Excellence. Professor Chen currently serves as an Associate Editor for the ASME Journal of Mechanical Design (JMD), the Journal of Engineering Optimization, and a Review Editor for Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization (SMO).
