Systems Engineering

The mechanical and electrotechnological systems used in our homes and industry have a significant effect on society and the environment. The aim of VCE Systems Engineering is to apply innovative systems thinking and problem-solving skills to understand how technologies can transform people’s lives.

In the study, students design, construct and assemble an integrated and controlled aspect of an operational system by using both mechanical and electrotechnological components. Students design a solution for a system-based problem, need, opportunity or situation by applying technological, mathematical and scientific principles. Production activities are planned and recorded, then testing and evaluation is undertaken. The systems selected for exhibition were completed as School-assessed Tasks, addressing Outcome 1 of Units 3 and 4.

John Cusmano

Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Bacchus Marsh
Wurundjeri Country

A photograph of a black system, with tank-like wheels, sitting next to two upright red lights. — Automated Metal Detection Rover by John Cusmano, Top Designs 2022. Photograph by Nicole Cleary, courtesy of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Automated Metal Detection Rover

PLA body, RC & DC motors, metal detector circuitry, arduino mega, caterpillar tracks with suspension, GPS unit, gear reduction gearbox, batteries, RC receiver, ESC

I have created an integrated electromechanical control system that is designed to autonomously sweep an area for metals, using GPS location. This is operated by an Arduino, which controls the powertrain through PWM signals. The device uses caterpillar tracks for extended mobility over different terrains, for turning and movement dexterity. An onboard metal detector detects metals and, when located, the unit automatically releases an indicator flag to mark the position.

Noah Jackson

Padua College, Mornington
Bunurong Country

A close-up photo of system components, showing several red, blue, and white wires connected to a plastic bottle and a curved track. — Automated Transportation System by Noah Jackson, Top Designs 2022. Photograph by Nicole Cleary, courtesy of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Automated Transportation System

Acrylic, Raspberry Pi, relays, HO scale track, BD681 transistor, pneumatic motor, solenoid valves, air reservoir, flow control valves, one-way valves, reed switches, magnets, MC33926 motor driver, 1N5408 diode, 1k Ohm resistor, LM2596S switching power supply, PLA filament, MDF, terminal blocks

I have designed a system that autonomously transports dangerous materials without the need for human interaction, increasing safety in the workplace. My system can transport materials to designated stations accurately using a track network and a locomotive that can stop at the correct location through sensory input. It operates using compressed air to reduce the risk of accidents involving electricity.

Sophia Kiriakidis

Viewbank College, Viewbank
Wurundjeri Country

A leather paddle is connected to a wooden panel and white pole. There are coloured lights at the top of the panel, and it is fitted with an Arduino. — Remote Controlled Kicking Paddle Holder for Martial Arts by Sophia Kiriakidis, Top Designs 2022. Photograph by Nicole Cleary, courtesy of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Remote Controlled Kicking Paddle Holder for Martial Arts

Paddle wood, foam, fake leather, gears, PLA plastic, wood, screws, metal bracket, wooden base, metal mounting bars, LED, pressure force sensor, DC motor, NPN transistor, diode, receiver, Arduino, breadboard, resistor, IR remote, jumper wirers, wires, batteries

I have designed an electromechanical system to assist taekwondo students to independently practise their kicking techniques at home. My product uses autonomous sub-systems to measure the force of the student’s kicks, as well as adjusting the angle of the paddle through the rotation of a DC motor.

Cooper Pitts

Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Bacchus Marsh
Wurundjeri Country

A close-up photograph shows a record player floating above a wooden shelf. White leveller components are installed on the corners of the shelf, and wires are visible underneath. — The LEIP by Cooper Pitts, Top Designs 2022. Photograph by Nicole Cleary, courtesy of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

The LEIP

PLA, AM3X accelerometer, Arduino-compatible microcontroller, rare-earth magnets, micro continuous servo motors, breadboard jumper wires, medium breadboard, silicon sealer, superglue, serving tray, bolts, nuts

I have designed an electromechanical system with the goal of greatly reducing vibration transfer from a shelf to the floating, self-levelling platform. Vibration is significantly reduced by separating the audio equipment from the surface it would usually be placed on. Repelling magnets are then used to levitate the platform. As some audio components (record players especially) are sensitive to non-level surfaces, the platform uses an accelerometer and an Arduino to detect any tilt. The LEIP then adjusts the corner heights by turning screws which raise/lower magnets on the platform corners, relevelling the platform as required.

James Richards

Haileybury, Keysborough
Bunurong Country

A dog wears a leather collar with a black tag. The dog sits next to a wooden box with an inbuilt door. — Automated Secure Dog Door by James Richards, Top Designs 2022. Photograph by Nicole Cleary, courtesy of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Automated Secure Dog Door

125Khz RFID module, 4 channel 12V relay module, AA grade mixed hardwood marine plywood, 12V solenoid, RFID tag, ultrasonic sensor, dog collar, U Mould, Arduino board, breadboard, 12V motor, washers, electrical wires, heat shrink, Lego gears, rods, connectors, steel, aluminium, screws, blind fabric, masking tape, LED, zip ties, PVA glue, various wooden blocks, 12V battery

My system is a fully autonomous dog door that opens and closes based on the proximity of a registered RFID collar. The rigid construction, solonoid locking mechanism and RFID verification keep burglars and stray animals out. The ultrasonic sensor integrated into my electromechanical system prevents the door from closing on pets, giving owners peace of mind.

Gemma Wildermuth

Swinburne University of Technology, Wantirna
Wurundjeri Country

Cornish College, Bangholme
Bunurong Country

A white system on wheels is pictured with its door open. Inside the system, various wires and electronic components are visible. There is a large orange button on top of the system. — GemBot by Gemma Wildermuth, Top Designs 2022. Photograph by Nicole Cleary, courtesy of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

GemBot

Raspberry Pi 4 8GB, touchscreen, battery charger, LED, Intel RealSense Lidar L515, emergency stop button, UV/UVA purple LED clear lens, NeveRest gearmotor, Tetrix Max hub tyre, aluminium, DM6-12 Battery, locking castor wheel, perspex, dual motor controller, reed switch, resistors, Tower Pro SG-5010 continuous rotation servo, sliding door rails

GemBot is an autonomous hospital robot that is designed to help comfort children who are admitted to hospital to combat the fear and anxiety associated with it. The robot uses a LiDAR camera to detect its surroundings and uses a pathfinding algorithm to navigate through the hospital. It features a touchscreen display where various commands can be performed, such as telling it to navigate to certain rooms, as well as child-friendly informational videos about what procedures they are about to have. There are UV sterilised compartments containing toys that parents can purchase for their child.

Dylan Zipsin

Viewbank College, Viewbank
Wurundjeri Country

A large wooden chicken coop is suspended on four legs. It has two windows and a corrugated tin roof. A PVC pipe and wires are connected to the left side of the coop. — IoCoop by Dylan Zipsin, Top Designs 2022. Photograph by Nicole Cleary, courtesy of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

IoCoop

Recycled plywood, recycled roofing tin, assorted wood screws, PVC piping, endcaps and 90-degree bends, DC motors, PLA, 12V 20-amp batteries, 18V 10W solar panel, BlueSolar charge controller, DC-DC stepdown converter, motor driver modules, assorted reused microswitches with levers, reed switch, spring, Raspberry Pi 4, D-Link router

My system is an internet-enabled automated chicken coop, featuring an automatic door that opens and closes at sunrise and sunset to protect the chickens from predators. It also includes an electronic chicken feeder with a motorised hatch, which opens when a chicken’s RFID leg tag is detected, to ensure that the food can be only accessed by specific chickens and not stolen by pests. It functions via an internet-enabled Raspberry Pi, allowing the user to control all aspects of the coop online from the comfort of their homes.