Conference Agenda

The objective of this work is to present a method used in the class of machine elements III for the development of capstone projects. For this purpose, the evaluation rubrics for each of the stages are presented, where CAD software is used to develop the project. The methodology presents four stages where technical skills such as metrology, process engineering, CAD design and machine elements are evaluated. In addition, soft skills such as conflict resolution, teamwork, planning and presentation of results are evaluated. As main results, an example of improvement of a vehicle built and assembled by students is presented. The measurement instrument applied to measure the knowledge acquired by the students is also validated by means of different statistical indicators. Based on the example and the results, a structured methodology for the development of capstone projects was developed. With this, it is intended that other teachers can implement or adapt this methodology to their classes and measure the students' perception.

This work describes the findings from the creation of a virtual reality driving experience simulator, where the validation of the experience with a group of individuals was considered. From this process, various physiological effects caused by the characteristics of the simulator and the parameters associated with it were discovered. The simulator created with the Unity platform, for the FORMULA SAE competition, has been described and presented in previous works and the experience has been described by its participants. This document presents the variables discovered in the simulator, which influence said physiological effects in the participants of the vehicle journey on the F1-type track. The results obtained and analyzed showed the influence of various variables on the physiological conditions of the participants, as well as the effects caused in the users that resemble the real driving conditions for the Formula type vehicle. This information was validated with a new group of engineering students and participants of the FORMULA SAE project, where the results will allow the content of the simulator to grow, as well as taking the necessary precautions when using it.

This study presents the implementation of an experimental model for teaching the design of prestressed concrete structures, using Lab-Based Learning (LBL) method. The research aimed to develop an accessible, cost-effective practice for basic civil engineering laboratories, enabling students to observe the effects of prestress cables on concrete beams. The practical activity involved constructing a tabletop experiment with low-density polystyrene beams, where students analyzed and compared a non-prestressed specimen with a prestressed counterpart. Key performance metrics such as maximum strength, stiffness, and ductility were measured. The methodology’s effectiveness was assessed using pre- and post-activity student surveys, which demonstrated increased interest in the subject matter, improved identification of critical variables, and enhanced technical comprehension of the structural behavior of prestressed beams. Findings indicated a significant positive impact on student learning, as evidenced by their more accurate use of technical terminology and improved structural design capabilities. The practice was well-received, affirming the value of experimental teaching models, though areas for refinement were identified, including measurement precision and time allocated for result analysis. This study underscores the efficacy of LBL as a pedagogical tool for teaching prefabricated concrete systems, laying the groundwork for future adaptations and broader implementation in structural engineering education.

Process automation is essential for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in modern industries; however, conventional systems such as traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) often involve high costs and complexity. This work proposes the design of a microcontroller-based PLC prototype using open-source software to reduce operational expenses. The prototype aims to provide an affordable automation solution for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to implement automation without significant initial investments. The design focuses on key aspects such as hardware flexibility, adaptability to diverse applications, and cost-effectiveness. Preliminary results demonstrate the prototype's potential to improve productivity while maintaining economic feasibility. The study highlights the advantages of using open-source platforms and microcontroller technology as viable alternatives to traditional