Future Readiness Through Capstone Project

Automotive industries are constantly evolving to meet future mobility demands: Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES). This transformation necessitates the acquisition of new skills, competencies, and mindsets. A Capstone Project was implemented to equip new engineers with futuristic skills and competencies. The primary objectives of this project were to enable engineers to develop interdisciplinary skills to solve real-world problems within specific time frames and promote teamwork, collaboration, and communication. Several engineering areas, such as mechanical CAD, multi-body simulation, algorithm development, electronic hardware, system integration, system software, and professional skills, were integrated into the project’s design focused on practice. The work breakdown structure, designing, analysis, feasibility studies, building the vehicle, testing, and meeting cost and performance goals were all covered in the project cycle. The new engineers were divided into teams, and as part of the capstone project, each team was tasked with designing, building, and operating a remotely controlled cart with wheels. During different stages of the project, regular assessments of skills and competencies were conducted. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the capstone project in developing future-ready skills in new engineers. This study presents an outline of the idea, the steps involved in conducting a capstone project, and an examination of the impact of doing so on the competencies and skill sets of engineers working in manufacturing or automotive companies. This capstone project demonstrated ongoing learning while assisting new engineers in working effectively in multidisciplinary groups to solve challenges by creatively utilizing scientific tools and approaches.