The annual course ISDN 2400 “Physical Prototyping” blends technical theory with hands-on experience. Designed to bridge the gap between abstract design concepts and tangible realities, this course provides students from the BSc in Innovation, Design and Technology (IDT) program* with foundational and advanced training in state-of-the-art prototyping technologies.

Through experiential learning, the course combines technical instruction with an iterative prototyping approach that concludes each year with an exciting robotic fish competition. Students first familiarize themselves with prototyping tools—including 3D printing and silicone casting—by applying them to construct an open-source robot fish. Moving beyond basic assembly, the students learn how to systematically fabricate, test, and refine physical models to validate hypotheses and optimize their designs for maximum swimming speed. This rigorous process pushes students to seamlessly integrate structural components, electrical mechanisms, and actuators into a single functional product.

This year, the pool-side challenge pushed student designs to new heights as teams put their prototypes to the test, showcasing incredible development and agility. The event proved to be a resounding success. Utilizing the diverse prototyping skills cultivated over the academic term, every single team celebrated a major triumph as their robotic fish successfully swam the full length of the pool, closely mimicking real marine life.

By demonstrating both technical mastery and creative problem-solving while validating their designs under real-world conditions, the students proved they are ready to tackle complex physical challenges.

*Previously known as BSc in Integrative Systems and Design