Reverse Engineering to Teach Scientific Concepts: Biomimetic Robot Systems

This mentor presentation displays how Team Genius mentors teach concepts through the process of reverse engineering. It examines the current applications of reverse engineering to teach both a scientific concept, in this case, biomimetics, and engineering concepts. To begin, we will describe existing robots and prototypes—from research labs of Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology—with visual aids/models. Later, we will take apart (reverse engineer) working biomimetic LEGO robot prototypes. This structural and functional analysis will convey the biomimetic concepts integrated within the robots. In the process of examining and reverse engineering biomimetic robots, the presentation will convey bioenvironmental concepts with practical application, as well as mechanical engineering strategies. This learning process is akin to one that can be used in a typical biological, environmental science, or engineer-