Robot based Challenges to Develop Disciplinary and Soft Competencies in Engineering Students

In this paper, we present the results on the developing of competencies in Engineering students during a week called “i-week” in our Educational Model in which students from different disciplines work together on a given challenge using educational robot kits. The development of disciplinary competencies as well as soft competencies are studied. The challenge is related to the construction of a manufacturing cell using robots and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) in which we look to develop disciplinaries competencies such as basic programming and logical thinking. On the other hand, the challenge also allows for the developing of soft competencies in students of Engineering such as Negotiation skills, Time Management, Working in a Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Team. In this paper we show the educational strategy, the methodology and the results of the implementation as well as a proposal to extend this methodology so that more students can participate in this type of projects. The results obtained exceeded the expectations and are very positive according to the students’ perceptions.