What is Mechatronics?

Like a conductor leading an orchestra, mechatronics experts combine many disciplines into one. Mechatronics, a blend of computing and engineering, is essential to automation and manufacturing. If you like mechanics, robotics, or production equipment and enjoy working with teams to get technical and engineering systems to work together, mechatronics could be for you.

What Do Mechatronics Engineers Do?

Mechatronics engineers and technicians can work in multiple fields and have a solid base from which to grow fulfilling careers. Mechatronics engineers know both mechanical and electrical engineering fundamentals. They can speak both languages and work with both mechanical and engineering teams.

Mechatronics engineers work with massive industrial robots, smaller robots in pick-and-place operations, control systems for bottling or packaging of food and drink products, drones, designing control systems for rides in amusement parks, and prototype development.

Some mechatronics engineers design and maintain automatic equipment. This includes industries such as manufacturing, mining, aviation, robotics, defense, and transportation. Other mechatronic engineers are employed by large manufacturing companies involved in high-volume production. Many new career opportunities are always on the horizon as technology advances.

Mechatronics Disciplines

Mechatronic systems are found in a wide range of applications, from manufacturing and robotics to automotive and consumer electronics. Here are some key aspects of the mechatronics field:

Mechanical Engineering: Mechatronics involves the design and analysis of mechanical systems, such as sensors, actuators, and mechanical structures. This can include anything from robotic arms and automated machinery to consumer products like cameras with auto-focus mechanisms.

Electronics: Electronic components and circuits are used to control and monitor the mechanical aspects of a system. Sensors collect data from the environment, and microcontrollers or microprocessors process this data to make decisions and control actuators. This might involve things like circuit design, PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), and electronic components.

Control Systems: Mechatronic systems often rely on control theory to regulate the behavior of mechanical components. This can involve feedback loops and control algorithms to ensure precise and desired system performance. Control engineering is crucial to maintaining stability and optimizing the system's operation.

Software and Programming: Mechatronics systems often involve software development to control and coordinate the various components. This can include writing code for microcontrollers, implementing user interfaces, and integrating systems with computer networks.

Sensors and Actuators: Sensors gather information about the system's environment, and actuators take action based on this information. Sensors can include things like cameras, accelerometers, temperature sensors, and more. Actuators might be motors, solenoids, or other mechanisms that move, manipulate, or change the state of the system.

Integration: Mechatronics requires a holistic approach, bringing together experts from various disciplines to work collaboratively. Engineers in this field need to understand and bridge the gaps between mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, and software engineering.

Applications: Mechatronics is applied in a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer electronics. Examples include industrial automation and engineering, robotics, automated vehicles, smart appliances, and more.

Innovation and Automation: Mechatronics has a strong focus on automation and improving the efficiency and performance of systems. It plays a crucial role in enabling advancements in industries by developing smarter and more capable machines and products.

What Careers Are There in Mechatronics?

A degree in mechatronics can lead to management positions, including project management. Workplaces range from laboratories and processing plants to engineering design offices.

Mechatronics engineers work in the fields of cybersecurity, telecommunications, computer science, automotive engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and consumer products and packaging.

Mechatronic engineers may use the following job titles:

• Automotive Engineer
• Control System Engineer
• Data Logging Engineer
• Instrumentation Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Service Engineer

Where do Mechatronics Engineers Work?

• Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
• Public Administration
• Finance and Insurance
• Manufacturing
• Management of Companies and Enterprises
• Transportation and Warehousing
• Accommodation and Food Services
• Construction
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Retail Trade
• Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
• Educational Services

What Skills do Mechatronics Engineers Need?

Mechatronic engineers have broad multidisciplinary skills and are able to move into more traditional engineering disciplines.

A mechatronics specialist is a creative problem solver who can work on a team. Thinking creatively is the first step; being able to communicate good ideas to coworkers involves tact.

Many mechatronic engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) and other engineering software for modeling, simulating, and analyzing complex mechanical, electronic, or other engineering systems.

What Tasks Do Mechatronics Engineers Do?

There are many tasks mechatronics engineers perform, depending on their particular industry.

• They design, develop, maintain, and manage high-technology engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
• They apply mechatronic/automated solutions to the transfer of material components or finished goods, or design and assist with the manufacture of consumer products like cameras and video recorders.
• They carry out studies on the feasibility, cost implications, and performance benefits of new mechatronics equipment.
• They leverage electronic, mechanical, and computational processes for tasks that are too dangerous for people, including underwater exploration or certain mining and forestry operations.

How Much Do Mechatronics Professionals Earn?

An electro-mechanical or mechatronics technologist and technician has a mean annual wage of $75,710 (BLS) with the top 10 percent making $109,580 (BLS).

Pursuing a Mechatronics Degree

There are several paths you can take to a career in a mechatronics profession. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. According to our undergraduate academic advisor, Nicholas Kwiek, these tips can help prepare you to pursue a degree in a mechatronics field.

Tips for High School Students

If you're currently in high school and are considering mechatronics, here are some things to consider.

• Focus on your mathematics, physics, and engineering classes as these will form the basis for your mechatronics education. Additionally, courses related to computer science may also help. Your enjoyment (or not!) of these courses could tell you a lot about whether or not mechatronics may be right for you.
• Read overviews of different mechatronics degrees to get a sense for which one you may want to pursue.

Choosing a College/University for Mechatronics

Selecting a school to study a mechatronics field can be a difficult decision. Follow these tips to help you.

• Research colleges and universities that would put you on a successful path. It's not necessary to major in a program called mechatronics to have a successful career in this industry! Look for degrees that fall within the robotics and computer/electronic technology umbrella.
• Make sure the schools you're considering offer accredited degrees since most employers will only consider graduates from such institutions.
• Visit the schools you're interested in and ask lots of questions about the program(s), scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and application requirements and deadlines.

Apply to the schools you think are the right fit for you and your goals sometime between your junior year and the beginning of your senior year. Don't miss those deadlines!

Tips for College Students

If you're currently in college, our Applied Computing advisor recommends considering these tips to help ensure your success in the mechatronics field of your choice.

• Work with your academic advisor to choose the appropriate program and courses that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in a mechatronics field.
• Gain experiences in real electronic and robotics projects. Look for opportunities through student organizations, professional conferences, co-ops and internships, and research projects at your institution.
• Form relationships with faculty members in your program. These connections will help you as you look for relevant mechatronics experience during and after your college career.
• Network with professionals. Whether you're at a conference or an on-campus career fair, seize every opportunity to form connections with professionals in the field—you never know when they could come in handy!
• Keep your resume up to date and brush up on your interviewing skills. Your institution may even have a dedicated career center that can help you.

The Future of Mechatronics

Combining the stability of mechanical engineering technology and manufacturing with the quick rise of the robotics industry means the outlook for careers in mechatronics is strong.

The future of mechatronics will be shaped by advancements in robotics, including continued development of collaborative robots and autonomous mobile robots. Mechatronics professionals play a key role in human-robot interaction, seamlessly integrating these complex systems into industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and construction.

Advancement in materials science and manufacturing will also impact the future of mechatronics engineers who can create faster, stronger, and more efficient devices. The introduction of nanotechnology and smart materials will also advance the field of mechatronics as engineers and technicians develop devices and technologies that are more adaptable and energy-efficient.

By making technology more effective, efficient, and responsive, mechatronics professionals will continue to drive innovation across industries.