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Discover Mechanical Engineering (DME)

Discover Mechanical Engineering is an exciting hands-on introduction to Mechanical Engineering at MIT. Throughout the one-week program, you will gain proficiency in a machine shop, build a cool soccer robot, learn about MIT, meet other freshmen, have your questions answered by mechanical engineering upperclassmen, interact with famous faculty, explore Boston, participate in other fun activities, and get a head-start on the MIT experience!

The Robot
DME’s core activity is building your own radio-controlled soccer-playing robot, affectionately called a SoccerBot. Our machine shop introduction will teach you how to use band saws, drill presses, belt sanders, brakes, soldering irons, and more. You’ll then use these newly acquired skills to build your very own SoccerBot! No previous machine shop experience is assumed: DME is targeted towards machine shop novices. We’ll teach you everything you need to know and more.

The Contest
DME culminates by handing YOU the controls—in a robotic soccer tournament held on campus. Eight teams of four players will compete until one set of robots emerges victorious! Afterwards, you’ll get to take your robot home with you to show off to your friends and family.

The Perks
In addition to building SoccerBots, you will:

  • Receive an introduction to MIT, Boston and Cambridge through exciting activities
  • Meet other incoming freshmen and make friends before Orientation
  • Meet upperclassmen and form bonds that will last beyond DME
  • Meet distinguished faculty and alumni with in-depth knowledge of MIT & engineering

Have lots of fun!

What Will We Do?
DME is a headlong dive into the intense nature of life at MIT. It runs from 9 am to 10 pm for five fun-packed days. Much of the day is devoted to working on robots and learning about engineering through peer and faculty interaction, but the evenings are for lighthearted social events and getting to know MIT and the Boston/Cambridge area. In the past, we have visited famous museums and some of MIT’s premier laboratories, as well as attended Red Sox games and comedy shows!

Don’t take our word for it – hear what first years from previous years have to say:

  • “I couldn’t have had a better opportunity to learn about MIT and everything that goes on here. Also, the mentors were extremely friendly and I never felt weird asking questions.”
  • “The staff and mentors were fantastic. I’ve never felt so comfortable with people in only five days of knowing them. I really learned a lot about mechanical engineering and I learned just as much about Boston and MIT life too. It was an awesome program. Thank you for letting me participate.”
  • “It is soooo good! I loved it! I have one regret and that is that it ended.”
  • “I just want to thank everyone for such an amazing experience! I know how much time and effort went into this and it all paid off. You all did an awesome job and were incredibly informative and friendly! Thank you!”
  • “DME changed my whole perspective of MIT. Besides learning about Mechanical Engineering and building soccer bots, I realized that MIT is a friendly place.”

Dates: Tuesday, August 19 – Saturday, August 23, 2025
Number of Participants: 32
Cost: $0