HomeAbstract of 11th-aretlPreparing the Next Generation of Electrical Engineers for the High-Power Era: Curricular Evolution and AI-Defensive Pedagogy

Preparing the Next Generation of Electrical Engineers for the High-Power Era: Curricular Evolution and AI-Defensive Pedagogy

  • Jun 17, 2026
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Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Advanced Research in Education, Teaching and Learning

Year: 2026

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Preparing the Next Generation of Electrical Engineers for the High-Power Era: Curricular Evolution and AI-Defensive Pedagogy

Prof. Eric Ka Wai Cheng

ABSTRACT:

The next major paradigm shift in industrial development will be driven by three core engineering sectors: Electric Vehicles (EVs), robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. Over the next decade, global EV market penetration is projected to rise from the current 10% to over 70%, while robotics technology is expected to mature to an average of one to two units per household. Concurrently, AI data centers require unprecedented power scaling to support massive computational loads, with typical installations demanding substantial power infrastructure. This transformation imposes massive localized energy demands; a single EV fast charger requires at least 50 kW, while domestic robotic charging interfaces demand approximately 4 kW. Consequently, future engineering curricula must adapt to dominate university teaching and learning paradigms. This paper discusses how our Department of Electrical Engineering is preparing for this new technological era. To equip students with advanced competencies in power charging, DC/AC power distribution, generation, motion control, and energy storage systems, a series of innovative courses have been developed. Furthermore, while modern engineering must interface with generative and informational AI, these tools remain inherently limited in hardware-centric physical development—the foundational pillar of these three engineering domains. This paper examines this new industrial era, outlines institutional pedagogy to meet these shifting demands, and establishes a balanced framework to effectively leverage AI while preserving authentic, hardware-based engineering education.

Keywords: Generative AI, Electric Vehicle teaching, Curriculum Design, Electrical Engineering Education