Academy students in the Engineering III: Advanced Robotics course are applying their skills in programming, design and problem-solving through an in-class automation project inspired by modern automotive production. Working in small teams, students were challenged to design and program two robot arms to assemble five model cars in under 50 seconds.
Each team created a custom 3D-printed end effector – or gripper mechanism – to attach to the robot arms, enabling them to pick up and place parts with precision. The robots assembled each car by positioning the base (wheels and frame) and then adding the three body components that form the top of the vehicle.
A key component of the project is the integration of artificial intelligence, reflecting how modern engineers work. Students are encouraged to use AI large language models to help write Python code for new robot features and to build assembly routines that improve speed and precision.
The first round of the in-class competition took place in mid-October, with two members of Punahou’s Robotics Team serving as guest judges to evaluate speed, accuracy and reliability. Each group completed three timed assembly runs, then reflected at the end on what worked, what didn’t and how to improve for future rounds.
Two additional class sessions will feature the same challenge, with students rotating partners to encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving. This hands-on project gives students an opportunity to explore how robotics, fabrication and AI come together in real-world applications – right inside the classroom.
Photos by Kathleen Connelly