NIU ADMINISTERED/FACULTY DIRECTED STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM PROPOSAL TEMPLATE AND GUIDELINES

Robotics and Manufacturing in China

May 13 – June 4, 2008

CANCELED - We hope to offer this program again in 2009

This study abroad program is coordinated by the Northern Illinois University Study Abroad Office (SAO), in cooperation with the NIU College of Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering.

PROGRAM DATES: The program will officially begin on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 in Harbin, and will end on Wednesday, June 4, 2008. Students will be responsible for making their own air travel arrangements in order to arrive in Harbin in the morning of Wednesday, May 14.

The program will begin with departure of the group from Chicago O’Hare Airport on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 and will end with the return of the group from Shanghai to Chicago on Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Simon Song, is a Professor and Chair of Department of Mechanical Engineering of Northern Illinois University (NIU). He is a Fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineering and a recipient of National Science Foundation’s Presidential Young Investigator Award. He has conducted research and taught in the robotics and manufacturing fields for about 26 years at Ohio State, University of Illinois at Chicago and NIU. He has published a book and more than a hundred technical papers. Dr. Song has conducted extensive collaborations with researchers and educators in China, Taiwan and Korea.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Today’s major theme of world economics is globalization and this is especially obvious in the manufacturing industry. Many manufacturing companies in the U.S. lost their competitiveness due to the rise of Chinese manufacturing industry and many large manufacturing corporations invest in China in order to remain competitive. Thus, for the U.S. manufacturing industry, it is important to understand China’s vital and dynamic manufacturing industry and have a global view of the world manufacturing industry and economics. This program provides students an opportunity to see and experience the massive manufacturing strength in China and gain a global view of world manufacturing industry. It will also provide an opportunity to interact with Chinese students and professors in the fields of manufacturing and robotics and learn Chinese culture, history and their way of living. Students will benefit from these experiences and better understand the role of the U.S. in the world manufacturing industry and economics. In this program we will collaborate with three host institutions in three major cities in China: Harbin, Beijing and Changzhou (Shanghai area). Each host institution will provide learning and lodging facilities and their professors will participate in teaching. The program consists of lectures and visits to research laboratories and cultural sites.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose of this program is two fold: In the manufacturing area, students will gain a global view of the manufacturing industry by seeing and experiencing the massive vitality of China’s manufacturing industry that is changing the landscape of the world manufacturing industry. In the robotics area, students will learn theories of mobile robots and see many advanced mobile robot projects in the universities they visit. In addition, students will have the opportunity to learn the culture of China that will continue to be a dominant factor in world economy. These experiences will enhance the students’ ability to adapt to the dynamic manufacturing industry that is under heavy influences of industry globalization.

PROGRAM SITE(S): The program will be carried out in three major cities in China: Harbin, Beijing and Changzhou (near Shanghai). China is a fascinating country with many cultural and historical sites and its manufacturing industry is full of vitality. Map of China

Harbin is in the second largest city in Northeastern China near boarder with Russia. It is well known of its heavy industry and pharmaceutical industry. We will visit two major universities: Harbin Engineering University (HRBEU) and HIT, both of which have Ph.D. programs in robotics. HRBEU is known for its research in underwater devices including underwater robots. Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) is a leading institution in robotics research in China. Harbin is also is the venue of the world largest winter ice sculpture exhibition and wild life tiger park that houses hundreds of China Northeastern tigers.

Great Wall of China Beijing is the capital of China and has many cultural and historical sites including the Great Walls, Ming’s Tombs, Palaces, Yuan-Min Garden and Forbidden City. It has several of the nation’s top universities and is the main venue of the 2008 Summer Olympic. Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (BUAA) is the host institution in Beijing. We will visit several universities and cultural sites in the Beijing area.

Changzhou is Harbin, Largest city in Northeastern China a two hour drive from Shanghai and is right in the most dynamic manufacturing industry area in China. It is close to Suzhou, the most beautiful garden city in China. It is also close to several industry parks that house many of the world’s leading manufacturing and high tech companies. Shanghai is a modern city with numerous skyscrapers and the financial center of China. Hohai University at Changzhou (HHUC) is the host institution in Changzhou. We will visit a few industrial parks in the Shanghai area and the city of Shanghai.

The transportation between these cities will be by night train with cabins and beds that are affordable and comfortable.

HIGHLIGHTS: In Harbin we will visit HRBEU and HIT, a leading research institute in robotics research, the world’s largest wild life tiger park and some pharmaceutical companies. In Beijing, we will visit BUAA, the Great Wall, Ming’s Tombs and Palaces; all are world class tourists’ attractions. In Changzhou, we will visit HHUC, Suzhou, the most beautiful garden city in China and a few industrial parks that play a vital role in China’s dominance in the world manufacturing industry. In Shanghai, we will visit the famous Bund, Eastern Pearle TV Tower and City Temple shopping centers.

PROGRAM AUDIENCE: This program is mainly for mechanical engineering undergraduate students. All six credit hours can be applied toward undergraduate technical electives. Students with other majors will also benefit from the many visits to companies, universities, industry parks and cultural sites.

INSTRUCTION METHOD: The program consists of lectures, homework, paper reading and discussions, quizzes, exams, project reports and visits to companies and cultural sites. Most lectures will be conducted in the classrooms and laboratories provided by the host institutions. Some lectures and paper discussions will be conducted during visits to companies and cultural sites as well as during travel. Some professors of the host institutions will participate in research project presentations and demonstrations. Details of activities can be seen in the attached program calendar and course syllabi.

Students are required to submit homework and project reports and to take quizzes and exams. Project reports can be submitted by email to the instructor by the deadline. All pre- and post-program communications are conducted through email and phone.

PROGRAM ACADEMIC CREDIT: For satisfactory participation in the program, participants will receive 6 semester hours of credit in the following NIU courses.

UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT:

MEE 425 – Design of Mobile Robots 3 semester hours

Description: Configuration and architecture design. Position estimation, planning, and control. Perception and learning. Group capstone project in the design and development of a mobile robot. Lecture, discussion, case studies of mobile robot design. A writing-intensive course.

Prerequisite: MEE 211 or TECH 375, or consent of department.

AND

IEET 490 - Topics in Engineering and Engineering Technology:

Globalization of Manufacturing Industry in China 3 semester hours

Description: Selected interdisciplinary topics from various engineering or engineering technology disciplines not offered in regular departmental courses. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of department.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES: The program is open to undergraduate students who meet the NIU general admission requirements, and who are interested in Engineering and Business. Currently enrolled students must meet College of Engineering and Engineering Technology course GPA requirements

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application. Students who are on academic or disciplinary probation are not eligible to participate in study abroad programs. Applicants must participate in the entire program and satisfy NIU undergraduate or graduate admission and course requirements.

Students cannot have any encumbrances against their NIU records. Any encumbrances placed on a student’s records by NIU (i.e., Undergraduate Admissions, Bursar’s Office, Accounts Receivable, Registration and Records, Health Services, Parking Services, etc.) must be cleared before a student is granted admission to a study abroad program.

For undergraduate students to be admitted to the program, an applicant’s official transcript must be on file in the NIU Study Abroad Office. Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript; the Study Abroad Office will make this request on behalf of the applicant. Students who want to participate in the program and earn academic credit from NIU who have not previously enrolled at NIU, or who are not currently enrolled at NIU, should ask the Registrar at their institution to forward an official transcript as soon as possible to the Study Abroad Office. (Student-issued transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable.) Questions relating to the admission requirements or transcripts should be directed to the Study Abroad Office.

APPLICATION FORMS AND DEPOSIT: Applicants must submit the following at the time of application:

Application for NIU Administered/Faculty Directed Study Abroad Programs
Student Application Agreement
Course Preference Form
$200 deposit
THREE (3) of passport size photos for ISIC and visa
A clear and readable copy of the first page of passport

$200 DEPOSIT: Each application must be accompanied by a $200 check or money order made payable to NIU. The $200 will be applied to the program cost. Applications that are not accompanied by the $200 deposit will be returned to the sender. (This $200 is also required of individuals who will be applying for financial aid.)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1, 2008. Applications submitted to the Study Abroad Office after March 1, 2008 must be accompanied by a check or money order for the full program cost in order to be considered for acceptance in this program. Applications not accompanied by the full program costs cannot be accepted by the Study Abroad Office.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS: Participants will reside in university guest rooms in twin bedded rooms with standard bath and toilet facilities and will be provided three meals daily throughout the period of residency.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Individuals will be responsible for making their own air travel arrangements between the U.S. and Harbin (outbound) and Shanghai (return) and for purchasing their tickets from a travel agent or airline of their choice. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Participants should keep in mind that in order to arrive in Harbin in time for the official beginning of the program, they should plan to depart the U.S. no later than May 13, 2008.

For information regarding airfares and airlines students may wish to check-out additional airfare sites on the Internet such as STA Travel.

Important - The Study Abroad Office advises all participants that flight reservations for this program should not be booked until:

a. After the March 1 application deadline

AND

b. The SAO has accepted the minimum number of participants needed to operate this program.

This advisory is given so that participants do not find themselves financially responsible for airline tickets should it be necessary to cancel the program. (See section entitled, CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM)

LAND TRANSPORTATION: For program-related travel the group will travel by train and coach. This transportation is provided as part of the NIU program cost.

PASSPORT: --IMPORTANT--All participants are required to possess a valid passport by March 15, 2008. Important Note: U.S. passports must be valid SIX months beyond the intended stay overseas. Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one immediately upon acceptance into the program. Applicants applying after March 15 may need to request expedited services or apply in person at the Chicago Passport Agency. If applicants are not within the Chicago area, they must apply at the nearest passport agency. Information on acquiring a U.S. passport is available at the U.S. State Department’s website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Foreign passport holders may need special visas for travel and are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas.VISA: A valid passport is required by March 15, 2008 in order to obtain a visa to enter China. Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one immediately upon acceptance into the program. The visa forms will be provided in March 2008 for each student to complete and return to the Study Abroad Office.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS/VACCINATIONS: Contact the NIU University Health Service at least eight weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect. The NIU University Health Service can advise students on what immunizations are required and can administer most immunizations. Most immunizations require a fee. Consult the Travel Clinic several months before you travel. Some vaccines need to be given over a period of months, so participants in this program must START EARLY!

NIU MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE: NIU Student health insurance is required for participation in an NIU study abroad program. Participants not currently enrolled in the NIU insurance plan will be enrolled in the NIU major medical Insurance Plan (comprehensive) that has a $250 deductible clause. Students requiring medical attention will be expected to pay any related costs and then file a claim with the NIU Student Insurance Office after returning to the States. Receipts showing payment for all medical expenses are required for reimbursement.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT I.D. CARD: The ISIC card is provided as part of the program cost. The I.D. card can provide discount on international airfare and other travel. Students will receive an application and instructions for obtaining this card when accepted into the program. The International Student Identity Card also includes a limited health and accident insurance policy which is only valid outside the U.S. Students will have to pay bills at the time of treatment and will be reimbursed later. Students should, however, have a more comprehensive insurance plan to supplement the ID insurance.

NIU PROGRAM COST: The cost of the program is payable in full to NIU by March 15, 2008. The program cost pays for the following cost related services:

Accommodations in university guest rooms (twin bedded rooms) and three meals per day.
Program-related land transportation in China
Admission fees to cultural and historical sites visited as part of the daily schedule.
Fee for acquiring the visa to enter China
International Student I.D. Card
NIU tuition for undergraduate or graduate credit.
NIU major medical insurance.

PROGRAM COST: $2,965
Price subject to change pending currency exchange fluctuations.

All prices quoted are subject to change. The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.

Non-NIU students should consult with their home institutions regarding additional costs that may apply to study abroad. Non-NIU students are responsible for any study abroad charges imposed by their home institution.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS:

Airfare
Cost of acquiring a passport (approximately $115).
Passport size photos. Additional costs associated with obtaining a visa for non-U.S. passport holders.
Immunization fees $30
Undergraduate application fee for non-NIU undergraduate students.
Independent travel and visa costs associated with independent travel.
Expenses for free-time pursuits.
Expenses and purchases of a personal nature.

FINANCIAL AID: As a participant in a study abroad program through NIU, applicants may be eligible for: Pell Grant, SEOG, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, MAP Award or your privately awarded scholarship with consent of awarding organization. Tuition waivers do not apply.

Please contact Pamela Rosenberg, International Programs Business Manager, Williston Hall 407, (815) 753-9530, prosenberg@niu.edu for more information.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM: Applicants withdrawing from the program after March 15, 2008 will not be refunded the $200 program deposit.

Applicants withdrawing from the program after this date will also be held accountable for any funds obligated on their behalf. This provision is in effect even if the applicant has not submitted the $200 deposit or additional payments, and if the applicant is applying for financial aid.

If the applicant must withdraw after March 15, 2008 for medical reasons, the $200 deposit will be refunded only if the request is submitted to the Study Abroad Office in writing and accompanied by a signed statement from a physician on the physician’s letterhead. After this deadline, all funds obligated on your behalf can only be refunded if those monies are refunded to NIU by overseas agents and vendors.

CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM: The Study Abroad Office reserves the right to cancel this program if the minimum required enrollment is not attained. If, prior to the commencement of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for China, all applicants will be notified promptly of the warning and the possibility of cancellation of the program. In the event that the program is canceled by NIU's International Programs Division, students shall receive a full refund of all monies. If, during the course of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for China, students will be promptly notified of the warning and the advisability of canceling the program.

The information contained in the program documents and forms are presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER
OR CANCEL THIS PROGRAM AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY!

The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.

Syllabus

MEE 425 – Design of Mobile Robots (3 credit hours)

Catalog Description: DESIGN OF MOBILE ROBOTS (3): Configuration and architecture design. Position estimation, planning and control. Perception and learning. Group capstone project in the design and development of a mobile robot. Lecture, discussion, case studies of mobile robot design. A writing-intensive course. PRQ: MEE211 or TECH 375, or consent of department.

References: Machines That Walk: The Adaptive Suspension Vehicle, by Song and Waldron, MIT Press, 1989; and selected papers

Instructor: Simon Song, Ph.D, Tel: (815)753-9970, E-mail: smsong@ceet.niu.edu

Objectives with relationship to ABET Outcomes:

Understand the need for mobile robots for a variety of applications (Outcome E)
Understand the current mobile robot vehicles and research (Outcome D, H, I)
Understand the impact of various mobile systems on the environment and the advantages of legged systems. (Outcome J)
Understand the principle of walking and gaits of both biological and robotic legged systems. (Outcomes A, E)
Design a walking machine leg for high efficient walking. (Outcome C, E)
Understand the kinematics and dynamics of a legged system. (Outcome A, E)
Apply the modern tools to design and simulate a legged system. (Outcome K)
Learn how to conduct a term project and writing a technical report. (Outcome D, G)

Prerequisites by topic: Statics, kinematics, dynamics, mechanism design

Topics:

1. Introduction to robotics and mobile robots (3 hours)

2. Legged mobile systems (3 hours)

3. Underwater legged system (3 hours)

4. Walking gaits analysis (6 hours)

5. Leg design (6 hours)

6. Kinematics, dynamics and energy efficiency (4 hours)

7. Waling machine control, sensors, intelligence (2 hours)

8. Wheeled mobile systems (3 hours)

9. Paper discussions (3 hours)

10. Visits to companies and universities (6 hours)

11. Term project (2 hours)

12. Quizzes (2 hours)

13. Final Examination (2 hours)

TOTAL (45 hours)

1. Introduction and program orientation	(1 hour)
2. Globalization of manufacturing industry	(3 hours)
3. Chinese engineering history	(3 hours)
4. Societal issues of economics growth in China	(6 hours)
5. Visits to manufacturing companies and universities	(12 hours)
6. Manufacturing industr in China	(3 hours)
7. Paper discussions	(2 hours)
8. Visit cultural sites and companies	(12 hours)
9. Term project	(1 hour)
10. Quizzes	(1 hour)
Total	(45 Hours)

UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT:
MEE 425 – Design of Mobile Robots 3 semester hours
Description: Configuration and architecture design. Position estimation, planning, and control. Perception and learning. Group capstone project in the design and development of a mobile robot. Lecture, discussion, case studies of mobile robot design. A writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: MEE 211 or TECH 375, or consent of department.
AND
IEET 490 - Topics in Engineering and Engineering Technology: Globalization of Manufacturing Industry in China 3 semester hours
Description: Selected interdisciplinary topics from various engineering or engineering technology disciplines not offered in regular departmental courses. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours. *Prerequisite:* Consent of department.

1. Introduction to robotics and mobile robots	(3 hours)
2. Legged mobile systems	(3 hours)
3. Underwater legged system	(3 hours)
4. Walking gaits analysis	(6 hours)
5. Leg design	(6 hours)
6. Kinematics, dynamics and energy efficiency	(4 hours)
7. Waling machine control, sensors, intelligence	(2 hours)
8. Wheeled mobile systems	(3 hours)
9. Paper discussions	(3 hours)
10. Visits to companies and universities	(6 hours)
11. Term project	(2 hours)
12. Quizzes	(2 hours)
13. Final Examination	(2 hours)
TOTAL	(45 hours)