An introduction to engineering practice through hands-on investigations, computer applications, design projects and student. Presentations in the fields of structures and robotics. In the first segment of the course, the behavior of materials and structural members is explored. Concepts of structural safety and equilibrium are developed and students are introduced to structural analysis of a steel truss bridge and building a model bridge. The second portion of the course focuses on basic mechanisms, kinematics, feedback, and computer control by considering the operation of several robotic devices. Students then engage in a robotic design which may include software or hardware or both. All investigations and design projects are performed in groups and Presented in oral and/or written form. Computers are used for documentation, data analysis and robot control.