メカトロ教育における5インチゲージ鉄道模型の活用事例

抄録

Since the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection, many people have been forced to live under self-restraint. As of March 21, 2023, a policy to relax mask-wearing has been announced, and the situation is gradually returning to pre-pandemic life. However, due to the emergence of variant strains with high mortality rates among infants and elementary school students, children in local communities are refraining from long-distance travel and leisure activities. This study aims to contribute to creating an environment where children in local communities can live with hope and foster interest in robot-mechanical technology among preschool and elementary school children by developing and operating a mini railway vehicle with a 127mm gauge. Specifically, we held mini railway operation events and surveyed participants' awareness through questionnaires to examine the potential contribution of the mini railway to robot-mechanical education, and report the results of our investigation.