A unique engineering education theme at UEC was selected for the Center of Learning(COL) Program for fiscal year 2003. This COL program is implemented and operated by the Japan University Accreditation Association under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The theme, titled “Development of creative hands-on engineering education through the power of scientific enjoyment,” aims to provide young UEC students hands-on experience in such subjects as electronics and mechatronics. The theme particularly emphasizes the importance of stimulating students' curiosity, enthusiasm and enjoyment of creation by providing them an opportunity to participate in actual goal-oriented engineering projects, such as building robots and electronics circuits. A group of UEC faculty and staff, represented by Professor Haruo Ishikawa of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Intelligent Systems, have been following this theme. We are proud of being a part of the COL program, which will certainly bring a new dimension to our teaching endeavor.