Activity Type: Engineering Career Talk / Industry Expert Session Speaker: Mert Özbiçen Professional Background: Manufacturing Engineer, Automotive Industry Professional at 3M, and FRC Robotics Mentor

Target Group: Middle and High School Students Interested in Robotics, Engineering and Technology

Duration: 60–75 minutes

Activity Description

This interactive session introduces students to the profession of manufacturing engineering and explores how products move from initial design concepts to real-world production. Led by Mert Özbiçen, an experienced automotive industry professional and FRC robotics mentor, the session will provide insights into engineering education, manufacturing technologies, industrial production processes and the digital tools used by engineers. Drawing on examples from the automotive industry and robotics competitions, the speaker will explain how engineers transform CAD designs into physical components, select appropriate materials and manufacturing methods, and manage production quality and efficiency. Students will also be introduced to engineering software categories such as CAD, CAM, CAE and manufacturing management systems, exploring how digital technologies connect design, simulation and production.

Session Topics 1. Becoming a Manufacturing Engineer: Engineering education, career pathways and professional experiences. 2. How Products Are Made: From design and prototyping to machining, assembly and quality control. 3. Digital Tools in Manufacturing: CAD, CAM, CAE, simulation and production management software. 4. From FRC Robots to Automotive Manufacturing: Similarities between student robotics projects and industrial engineering processes. 5. Engineering Career Q&A: Skills, opportunities and challenges in modern manufacturing. Interactive Component “How Would You Manufacture This Robot Part?” Students will examine a sample robotic component and discuss how it could be manufactured, considering material selection, production methods, cost and design requirements.

Expected Learning Outcomes ● Understand the role and responsibilities of manufacturing engineers. ● Recognise the main stages of industrial production. ● Discover how engineering software supports product development and manufacturing. ● Connect robotics competition experiences with real-world engineering careers. ● Develop awareness of career opportunities in manufacturing and automotive technologies.

Expected Outputs ● One industry expert talk and interactive engineering session. ● Student participation in a manufacturing design challenge. ● Increased awareness of engineering careers and digital manufacturing technologies. ● Documented participation and student feedback.

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