Mechanical Systems Design 4: Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Engineering Solutions

This capstone unit challenges you to apply advanced mechanical engineering knowledge to design and deliver an innovative engineering solution to a complex, real-world problem within an industry or enterprise context. You will complete the full design cycle, planning, modelling, prototyping, and evaluation, while integrating sustainability, ethics, and innovation and lifecycle considerations into every stage of your project.

The unit emphasises leadership, teamwork, and professional communication in multidisciplinary environments, preparing you to manage project complexity and address diverse stakeholder needs. Through systems thinking and human-centred design, you will develop technically rigorous and responsible solutions that reflect the standards of contemporary engineering practice and prepare you for professional engineering leadership.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Identify and solve authentic, complex mechanical engineering problems using advanced analytical, design, and optimisation methods within an industry or enterprise context;
2. Integrate systems thinking, sustainability, manufacturability, and lifecycle considerations into the conceptualisation, modelling, and evaluation of advanced mechanical systems;
3. Exemplify skills in leading and collaborating effectively in diverse teams, applying ethical, inclusive, and human-centred practices to navigate project complexity and support stakeholder needs;
4. Plan, schedule, and manage project resources using established project management tools and risk assessment techniques to ensure delivery within scope,on time and quality requirements; and
5. Prepare and deliver clear, professional technical reports and oral presentations that convey complex design decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences.