Case Study: Massachusetts Institute of Technology achieves one‑semester student-built robots with SolidWorks

Conducting “the mother of all robot contests” course with SolidWorks software

Massachusetts Institute of Technology runs the famed 2.007 Design and Manufacturing I course—known as “the mother of all robot contests”—in which each student must design and build an individual functional robot in a single 15‑week semester. To meet this intense challenge, MIT uses SolidWorks 3D CAD software (SolidWorks Education Edition) so students can create parametric solid models and assemblies on their laptops and learn design practices representative of real-world engineering.

SolidWorks delivered a crash‑course workflow and classroom tools that shortened CAD instruction to just six sessions, established clear development milestones, automated use of rapid‑prototyping equipment, and enabled undergraduate teaching assistants to accelerate peer learning. As a result, SolidWorks helped students complete accurate, buildable robot designs on schedule, reduce fabrication rework, and consistently achieve the course’s 15‑week project goals.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Daniel D. Frey

Associate Professor