Division of Integrative Systems and DesignHKUST
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ISDN 3000B

Creative Machine Design

How do we design a machine whose trajectory meets the task and whose structure remains reliable in operation?

Mechanical principles

The course connects classical mechanisms and transmissions - including linkages, gears, springs and bearings - with modern robotic components and emerging approaches such as compliant mechanisms, tensegrity, magnetic robotics and 4D printing.

Design by building

Students use physical prototyping to connect motion, load, material failure, jamming, fatigue and buckling to concrete design choices. The emphasis is on understanding why a mechanism behaves as it does and how to improve it.