Mechatronics Engineering - History, Roles, Career Options

Introduction to Mechatronics:

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of science that incorporates a blend of mechanical, electronics, electrical and computer engineering. Initially, Mechatronics was confined to mechanics and electronics; subsequently the field does not only restrict to the latter but also has broadened its horizons to include broader technical fields that involves designing, testing and operation of machinery and equipment. Mechatronics comprises high level functional integration of mechanical systems with electronics and computer control. Mechatronics intends to enhance the functionality of specialized frameworks and the formation of new equipment’s and machinery with intelligence.

Mechatronics can be seen everywhere today. Engineers have mechatronics journals and can read mechatronics papers in journals that cover other fields, while a multitude of diverse companies are embracing its principles.

The term was coined over 40 years ago, when engineer Tetsuro Mori combined the words "mechanical" and "electronic" to describe the electronic control systems that Yaskawa Electric Corp. was building for mechanical factory equipment.

Mechatronics are all around us, from computer hard drives and robotic assembly systems to washing machines, coffee makers, and medical devices. Electronics that control mechanical systems account for much of the value of the average automobile, managing everything from stability control and antilock brakes to climate control and memory-adjust seats.

It consists of four overlapping circles: mechanical systems, electronic systems, control systems, and computers.

It's that multidisciplinary approach from concept through delivery that separates mechatronics from old-style control engineering at Rockwell. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of science that includes a combination of Mechanical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications engineering , systems engineering and control engineering. As technology advances, the subfields of engineering multiply and adapt. Mechatronics' aim is a design process that unifies these subfields. Originally, mechatronics just included the combination of mechanics and electronics, therefore the word is a combination of mechanics and electronics; however, as technical systems have become more and more complex the definition has been broadened to include more technical areas.

The word "mechatronics" originated in Japanese-English and was created by Tetsuro Mori, an engineer of Yaskawa Electric Corporation. The word "mechatronics" was registered as trademark by the company in Japan with the registration number of "46-32714" in 1971. However, afterward the company released the right of using the word to public, and the word "mechatronics" spread to the rest of the world. Nowadays, the word is translated in each language and the word is considered as an essential term for industry.

French standard NF E 01-010 gives the following definition: “approach aiming at the synergistic integration of mechanics, electronics, control theory, and computer science within product design and manufacturing, in order to improve and/or optimize its functionality".

A mechatronics engineer unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system. The term "mechatronics" was coined by Tetsuro Mori, the senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskawa in 1969. An industrial robot is a prime example of a mechatronics system; it includes aspects of electronics, mechanics, and computing to do its day-to-day jobs.

Engineering cybernetics deals with the question of control engineering of mechatronic systems. It is used to control or regulate such a system (see control theory). Through collaboration, the mechatronic modules perform the production goals and inherit flexible and agile manufacturing properties in the production scheme. Modern production equipment consists of mechatronic modules that are integrated according to a control architecture. The most known architectures involve hierarchy, polyarchy, heterarchy, and hybrid. The methods for achieving a technical effect are described by control algorithms, which might or might not utilize formal methods in their design. Hybrid systems important to mechatronics include production systems, synergy drives, planetary exploration rovers, automotive subsystems such as anti-lock braking systems and spin-assist, and everyday equipment such as autofocus cameras, video, hard disks, and CD players.

The History of Mechatronics:

The history of mechatronics is not lengthy. The name "mechatronics" was originated in 1969 by senior engineer Tetsura Mori. He was working for a Japanese company called Yaskawa Electric Corporation that was famous for building mechanical factory equipment.

At that time, Yaskawa Electric Corporation was using some electronic features for manufacturing mechanical equipment. Mori wanted to introduce a technical term for that new technology, so he combined the two technical words ‘mechanical’ and ‘electronics’ and created the new word "Mechatronics."

In 1970, Yaskawa applied to make this word a registered brand and got the rights in 1973. But, at that time this term didn’t gain much popularity. After the 1980s, the term started gaining popularity because of its useful features.

Earlier, this term was based on only some electrical and electronic computers, but after the 1980s, the use of computer technology was integrated. The controlling and functioning of machines became much easier by use computer hardware and software. This allowed the start of manufacturing of a variety of products of any size with very high accuracy and comparatively low cost.

Course structure:

• Mechatronics students take courses in various fields:
• Mechanical engineering and materials science
• Electrical engineering
• Computer engineering (software & hardware engineering)
• Computer science
• Systems and control engineering
• Optical engineering
• Application
• Machine vision
• Automation and robotics
• Servo-mechanics
• Sensing and control systems

Automotive engineering, automotive equipment in the design of subsystems such as anti-lock braking systems

Computer-machine controls, such as computer driven machines like CNC milling machines, CNC waterjets, and CNC plasma cutters

Applications of Mechatronics

• Expert systems
• Industrial goods
• Consumer products
• Mechatronics systems
• Medical mechatronics, medical imaging systems
• Structural dynamic systems
• Transportation and vehicular systems
• Mechatronics as the new language of the automobile
• Computer aided and integrated manufacturing systems
• Computer-aided design
• Engineering and manufacturing systems
• Packaging
• Microcontrollers / PLCs
• Mobile apps

Mechanical modeling calls for modeling and simulating physical complex phenomenon in the scope of a multi-scale and multi-physical approach. This implies to implement and to manage modeling and optimization methods and tools, which are integrated in a systemic approach. The specialty is aimed at students in mechanics who want to open their mind to systems engineering, and able to integrate different physics or technologies, as well as students in mechatronics who want to increase their knowledge in optimization and multidisciplinary simulation technics. The specialty educates students in robust and/or optimized conception methods for structures or many technological systems, and to the main modeling and simulation tools used in R&D. Special courses are also proposed for original applications (multi-materials composites, innovating transducers and actuators, integrated systems, …) to prepare the students to the coming breakthrough in the domains covering the materials and the systems. For some mechatronic systems, the main issue is no longer how to implement a control system, but how to implement actuators. Within the mechatronic field, mainly two technologies are used to produce movement/motion. and

Variant of the field

An emerging variant of this field is bio mechatronics, whose purpose is to integrate mechanical parts with a human being, usually in the form of removable gadgets such as an

exoskeleton. This is the "real-life" version of cyber ware. Another variant that we can consider is Motion control for Advanced Mechatronics, which presently is recognized as a key technology in mechatronics. The robustness of motion control will be represented as a function of stiffness and a basis for practical realization. Target of motion is parameterized by control stiffness which could be variable according to the task reference. However, the system robustness of motion always requires very high stiffness in the controller.

Avionics is also considered a variant of mechatronics as it combines several fields such as electronics and telecom.

Laboratories in Mechatronics

The Laboratories are perfect balance of Mechanical, Electronics as well as Computer Science with Hydraulics and Pneumatics Lab, Mechanical Measurements and Metrology Labs, Material Testing Lab, Microcontroller Lab, Analog and Digital Electronics, Electric Machine Drives, Advanced Computer Programming Lab, Micro and Smart System Lab an advanced Robotics Lab.

Role of a Mechatronics engineer

• Uses mechanical, computer and controls knowledge to design and create products
• Researches components of design
• Tests products for efficiency and adaptability
• Robotics technician
• Works in teams to design and produce robots
• Tests robotic operations and processes
• Services and maintains robotic functioning
• Software engineer
• Develops and evaluates computer software/programs
• Develops new programs for products that are yet to be released
• Organizes software development projects
• Industrial designer
• Develops products for use in homes and businesses
• Advises clients on project budgets
• Tests the ergonomics of products
• Mechanical systems engineer
• Assists in the development of products using drafting tools or computer software
• Designs testing control equipment
• Researches and advises on design modifications to resolve problems
• Programmer
• Designs the specifications for programs
• Runs computer programs and systems in order to test and identify problems
• Builds prototypes to tender for new businesses
• Mechanical engineer
• Researches the use of energy, machinery and materials
• Uses computer software to design plans and models
• Provides advice on the building and repair of various equipment
• Mechanical design engineer
• Designs power machinery
• Uses computer software to create visual plans of designs
• Assists in testing machinery
• Project engineer
• Involvement in the plans, budget and schedules of a project
• Supervises a project's daily progress
• Liaises with project staff and clients
• Electro-mechanical engineer
• Uses electrical and electronic knowledge to design and develop mechanical systems
• Prepares reports and presentations
• Ensures system specifications are operational and safe

Entrepreneurship and innovation are increasingly becoming an important part of the world of work and should be considered as a career option. For more information about UC student innovation & entrepreneurship, related internships, scholarships, courses and activities go to

Careers, Internships & Employment

What further study can I do after my degree?

It is possible to study at postgraduate and graduate level in subjects both directly and indirectly related to your degree.

Courses, Subjects and Qualifications

Related postgraduate courses of study include postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees and doctoral study. This additional study can impact on the entry level of employment in industry. Other options for further study could include teaching or management courses. Postgraduate study can also lead to an academic career pathway in teaching and research.

Carefully consider your motivation for study, how it fits in with your long-term career plans and whether it is likely to enhance your employment prospects.

What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is a field of engineering that includes study with a combination of various engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, telecommunication, control and computer engineering.

The aim of mechatronics is a design process that unifies all the above disciplines of engineering.

Mechatronics industry employs both engineers to design and develop equipment and technicians to maintain it.

Career Options in Mechatronics

The profession of mechatronics includes technicians and engineers. They design and maintain automated equipment.

Technicians and engineers work in laboratories, offices or on-site manufacturing plants.

The goal is to produce safe and efficient automated equipment.

Technicians primarily maintain machinery, while engineers are more concerned with design and development of components and products.

Job description of a Mechatronics Engineer

A Mechatronics engineer unites the principles of engineering disciplines like mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system.

Mechatronics engineer needs at least a bachelor's degree to obtain entry-level position.

The process of mechatronics engineering involves designing, assembling, testing, and evaluating components and products.

Job description of a Mechatronics Technician

Mechatronics technicians need an associate's degree to obtain entry-level position in the field.

Mechatronics technicians apply their knowledge of engineering to solve technical problems and maintain automated mechanical equipment. A job of a mechatronics technician includes inspecting, troubleshooting and repairing electrical and electronic components.

Education Information for Mechatronics

Associate degree in mechatronics/Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics. An associate degree in mechatronics is a 2-year degree programme, it prepares students for entry-level programmes. The programmes primarily focuses on practical application. Bachelor degree in mechatronics/Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics. A bachelor’s degree programme in mechatronics is a 4-year course. Students are usually required to complete mechatronic engineering design project to graduate from this programme. Master's degree in mechatronics/Master of Science in Mechatronics. A master's degree in mechatronics offers students an opportunity to work in management and research programmes. This course focuses on research and methodology in mechatronics along with practical training in the field.

Scope for Mechatronics Engineering in India

Though there is no specific data to track employment for mechatronics professionals, in the recent years there has been increasing demand for mechatronics professionals.

About 5% growth in terms of employment in comparison to electrical engineers.

The median salary can be around $82,100.

Top Colleges for Mechatronics Engineering in India

• SRM University - Department of Mechatronics Engineering
• Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Anna University
• Amity School of Engineering and Technology
• Lovely Professional University
• Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
• SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore
• Kongu Engineering College, Erode
• Kumuraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore

Top Colleges Abroad offering Mechatronics Engineering

• University of Liverpool, UK
• University of Hartford, USA
• University of the West of Scotland, UK
• Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, USA
• University of Sheffield, UK
• Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, USA