Award Abstract #0755355
Micro/Nano Assembly Workcell Via Micro Visual Sensing and Haptic Feedback

NSF Org:	EEC Division of Engineering Education and Centers
Initial Amendment Date:	April 1, 2008
Latest Amendment Date:	March 12, 2009
Award Number:	0755355
Award Instrument:	Continuing grant
Program Manager:	Esther Bolding EEC Division of Engineering Education and Centers ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	April 1, 2008
Expires:	March 31, 2010 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$202744
Investigator(s):	Dugan Um dugan.um@tamucc.edu (Principal Investigator) Bahram Asiabanpour (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Texas A&M University Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78412 361/825-2177
NSF Program(s):	HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	SMET, 9250, 9178, 1360, 116E
Program Element Code(s):	1360

ABSTRACT

EEC-0755355

Dugan Um

This two year REU site program will provide a research experience for undergraduate students who are interested in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, or materials engineering with an emphasis in micro-manufacturing systems. Primary research activities will focus in the areas of micro/nano electro-mechanical system material and structure, micro sensor/actuator system and design, feedback control system for rapid assembly system, and micro-robotic arm kinematics/dynamics and motion control. To enhance the hands-on laboratory research experience, a variety of additional activities are included in the program. These include: a series of informative seminars; field trips; and social events designed to foster group cohesiveness as well as to hone the students' leadership skills. Students will also sharpen their communication skills through the writing of a research report and through presenting their research work to industry members of the manufacturing system consortium in the Central Texas area.

Recruitment efforts will target women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities. The program intends to have more than 80% of the participants come from institutions that offer only undergraduate programs. Students who participate in this REU program will not only contribute to the development of micro-manufacturing technology, but they will be more likely to remain in a technical field. Successful development of micro-manufacturing systems opens endless application opportunities in homeland security, transportation, aerospace, biomedical, advanced manufacturing, and many other commercial applications.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.