Course detail

Project – How to Make (Almost) Anything

FSI-ZPC Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester

This project-based course is inspired by MIT’s “How to Make (Almost) Anything” and offers students hands-on experience with modern digital fabrication and prototyping technologies. Working individually and in small teams (4–5 students), they learn to design and create functional systems that may combine mechanical, electronic, and software components.

Teaching takes place in the fully equipped strojLAB workshops, providing access to CNC machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, and electronics workstations. The course emphasizes both individual work and team collaboration in solving real-world engineering challenges, encouraging students to confidently pursue their own ideas.

The course aims to develop creativity and practical skills essential for designing and building prototypes in a multidisciplinary environment.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

11

Supervisor

doc. Ing. Daniel Koutný, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design

Entry knowledge

Knowledge at the level of general secondary education is assumed. An advantage is having technical knowledge in machine design, solid mechanics, 3D modelling, electrical engineering, programming, and experience with teamwork. However, the absence of any of the above is not a barrier to completing the course.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Credit requirements (0–100 points, minimum to receive credit: 50):

  • active participation in exercises through consultations (minimum 10 out of 20 points),
  • submission of partial assignments and their documentation in the form of an online portfolio (minimum 40 out of 80 points).

Exam requirements (0–100 points, minimum to pass the exam: 50):

  • defence of the team project before a committee (minimum 20 out of 40 points),
  • defence of the individual project before a committee (minimum 20 out of 40 points),
  • documentation of the individual project in the form of an online portfolio (minimum 10 out of 20 points),

A total of up to 100 points can be earned, and the final grade is determined according to the ECTS scale.

Aims

  • Develop creative thinking and an innovative approach to solving technical challenges
  • Acquire practical skills in digital fabrication and design: from 3D modelling (CAD), through 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting, to working with sensors, actuators, electronics, and microcontroller programming.
  • Practice teamwork within a project team – including effective role distribution, coordination of activities, and joint presentation of results.
  • Design, build, and test a functional prototype based on an original concept.
  • Promote community-based learning (“peer learning”) and active knowledge and experience sharing within the team and with industry professionals.

Study aids

Study materials are stored in the e-learning of the course.

The study programmes with the given course

Programme B-KSI-P: Mechanical Engineering Design, Bachelor's, compulsory

Programme C-AKR-P: , Lifelong learning
specialization CZS: , elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

16 hours, optionally

Syllabus


  1. Introduction to the Course, Safety, Teamwork, and Documentation

    • Course objectives and philosophy

    • Health and safety in strojLAB

    • Team collaboration, role assignment, project planning

    • How to document development (online portfolio, design versions)



  2. Design Thinking and the Design Process

    • Introduction to the design thinking methodology

    • Stages of product design – from need to prototype

    • Inspiration through example student projects



  3. 2D Drawing and Graphics, Laser Cutting and Vinyl Cutting

    • Principles of 2D drawing and graphics

    • Software tools

    • Preparing data for manufacturing

    • Fabrication using laser cutters and vinyl cutters



  4. 3D Modeling and 3D Scanning

    • Principles of parametric modeling

    • 3D scanning as a method to obtain a virtual model of a physical part

    • Acquisition and processing of scanned data



  5. 3D Printing and Post-Processing

    • Design rules for 3D printing

    • Materials, errors, limitations, possibilities, software tools

    • Surface finishing of parts



  6. CNC Machining

    • CAM systems, tools, toolpaths, fixturing

    • Roughing and finishing strategies



  7. Basics of Electronics and Sensors

    • Overview of basic components (resistors, LEDs, sensors)

    • Working with prototyping boards, circuit testing

    • Safety and principles of simple circuit design



  8. Embedded Systems and Microcontroller Programming

    • Basics of programming (e.g., Arduino, RP2040)

    • Inputs/outputs, data processing, simple logic

    • Extension options such as communication (e.g., Bluetooth, IoT)



Laboratory exercise

72 hours, compulsory

Syllabus

The main part of the course takes place in the strojLAB workshops. Here, students individually work on their partial tasks to gain hands-on experience with various technologies:



  • Laser cutting and vinyl cutting

  • 3D printing

  • Workshop operations (finishing, metalworking)

  • CNC machining

  • Microcontrollers and electronic circuits

  • Microcontroller programming, input and output devices


Within their teams, students carry out their final project step by step — from assignment and design to construction and testing of the prototype.

Computer-assisted exercise

16 hours, compulsory

Syllabus

Computer-assisted exercises include working with software for 2D graphics, CAD tools, and continuous documentation of both partial tasks and the semester project. The exercises also involve role assignment within the team, process planning, ongoing consultations, and development checkpoints.



  • Documentation of partial tasks and the semester project

  • 2D drawing and graphics

  • 3D modelling