Build Technology That Actually Helps People
-A New Course in Fall 2026-
Course Info
Course Title: Mechatronic Solutions for Community Impact
Course Type: ENGR 2900 Honors Special Topics & ENGR 4040 Special Topics
Instructor: Dr. Osman Sayginer – sayginer@temple.edu
Course Focus: Critical thinking, interdisciplinary teamwork, community engagement, ethical use of AI, and hands on prototyping
Design. Build. Test. Deliver. All in one semester.
In this hands on engineering course, you will work in interdisciplinary teams to design real mechatronic solutions for real community challenges in North Philadelphia. You will also learn to use AI as a responsible engineering tool to support research, ideation, design evaluation, and decision making. Instead of hypothetical assignments, you will partner with community organizations, prototype physical systems, and present a working solution at a public showcase.
What Makes This Course Different?
- Real Problems
Work with community partners to identify challenges that matter. - Real Prototypes
Design and build functional physical systems, not just concepts. - Real Collaboration
Engage with community organizations and mentor local K-12 students. - Real Engineering Skills
Apply the full design process, from problem definition to testing and iteration. - Real AI Literacy
Learn how to use AI tools responsibly to support engineering research, design, and evaluation.
What You Will Do
- Translate community needs into engineering solutions
- Prototype and test mechatronic systems
- Work in interdisciplinary teams
- Present your work at a public end of semester showcase
Design with the community. Build something that matters.
