Robot Show features more than 200 unique machines created by U of M engineering students

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/05/2023)—A Rubik's cube solver, robo-drummer, and coin flipper will be part of the 200 student-made robots on display at The University of Minnesota 2023 Robot Show. The robots will be on display Monday, Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at the University’s McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis.

University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering students, who are a part of the Introduction to Engineering class spend seven weeks creating robots that “do something useful.” The catch is students can only use their kit of small parts (a small computer, motor, battery, and some electronics) and spend no more than $60 on their own parts. 

The robots must act for no more than 60 seconds and have at least one moving part, but it is up to the students to determine what their unique machine does, whether that be shuffling a deck of cards, screwing in a light bulb, or crushing a can. 

“Learning through hands-on experience is fundamental for students. While computer-based and analytical design is valuable, engineers must also construct and test prototypes to validate the functionality of their work,” said Daniel Escobar, a University of Minnesota mechanical engineering assistant professor who co-teaches the class. “This project helps students become better designers, showing them the importance of approaching complex problems, and using diverse engineering approaches in their solutions.”

The walk-through show is the largest collection of robots assembled in one place in the Twin Cities. The Robot Show is free and open to the public and suitable for all ages. 

For more information on the event, visit the Robot Show webpage.