Mechatronics engineering

 

What is Mechatronics Engineering?

Mechatronics engineering is the design of computer-controlled electromechanical systems. The essence of it is that the design of the mechanical system must be performed together with the design of the electrical/electronic and computer control aspects that together, comprise a complete system.

Some examples of mechatronic systems include: a CD or DVD player; a computer hard disc drive; a fly-by-wire aircraft control system; and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Each of these products is essentially mechanical in nature, but could not function without the integral design of the electrical and computer control systems that are critical to their operation.

Mechatronics engineering undergraduate program 

The mechatronics program at the University of Waterloo is administered by the department of mechanical and mechatronics engineering. The courses taken in the mechatronics program differ significantly from those taken in the mechanical engineering program.

Half of the second and third-year courses in mechatronics are provided by the systems design engineering and electrical and computer engineering departments. This makes the mechatronics program ideal for students seeking a broad, interdisciplinary engineering education that is highly integrated and focussed.

Today, the University of Waterloo's mechatronics program is unmatched in terms of content and integration, making it a highly sought-after program for today's students. Admission to the program is highly competitive.

Students are required to participate in the work/study (co-op) program, which entails completing five work terms in industry. The degree, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Mechatronics Engineering, is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

What do mechatronics engineers do?

Mechatronics engineers today are changing the world by:

• Developing advanced prosthetics for amputees
• Creating Internet of Things (IOT) devices
• Leveraging artificial intelligence in autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Mechatronics engineers use a multidisciplinary and systems-based approach to develop the "intelligent" electromechanical devices and integrated systems present in our daily lives including: smartphones, 3D printers, satellite systems, intelligent vehicle systems, wearable devices.

 

What do mechatronics engineers do?

Mechatronics engineers today are changing the world by:

• Developing advanced prosthetics for amputees
• Creating Internet of Things (IOT) devices
• Leveraging artificial intelligence in autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Mechatronics engineers use a multidisciplinary and systems-based approach to develop the "intelligent" electromechanical devices and integrated systems present in our daily lives including: smartphones, 3D printers, satellite systems, intelligent vehicle systems, wearable devices.

Curriculum

The opportunity to design a new engineering program does not come often. A group of professors from Mechanical Engineering, Systems Design Engineering, and Electrical & Computer Engineering set out to design the 'ideal' Mechatronics curriculum in 2000. With a virtual clean slate, a set of courses was selected from the three engineering departments that would provide students with the desired combination of skills.

Whenever the contents of an existing course did not meet the desired requirements, a new course was designed. After much effort, we now feel that we have a program that is unmatched in terms of content and integration. When viewing the curriculum, the courses designated as MTE are the newly designed courses specific to the Mechatronics program; ME courses are from the Mechanical Engineering program, ECE courses are from the Electrical & Computer Engineering program, and SYDE courses are from the Systems Design Engineering program.

Mechatronics engineering, also called mechatronics, is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on the integration of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and software engineering,^[1] and also includes a combination of robotics, computer science, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering.^[2][3]

As technology advances over time, various subfields of engineering have succeeded in both adapting and multiplying. The intention of mechatronics is to produce a design solution that unifies each of these various subfields. Originally, the field of mechatronics was intended to be nothing more than a combination of mechanics, electrical and electronics, hence the name being a portmanteau of the words "mechanics" and "electronics"; however, as the complexity of technical systems continued to evolve, the definition had 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. The company later released the right to use the word to the public, and the word began being used globally. Currently the word is translated into many languages and is considered an essential term for advanced automated industry.^[4]

Many people treat mechatronics as a modern buzzword synonymous with automation, robotics and electromechanical engineering.^[5]

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".^[6]

Robotics is one of the newest emerging subfield of mechatronics. It is the study of robots that how they are manufactured and operated. Since 2000, this branch of mechatronics is attracting a number of aspirants. Robotics is interrelated with automation because here also not much human intervention is required. A large number of factories especially in automobile factories, robots are founds in assembly lines where they perform the job of drilling, installation and fitting. Programming skills are necessary for specialization in robotics. Knowledge of programming language —ROBOTC is important for functioning robots. 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.

What is a Mechatronics Engineer?

A mechatronics engineer specializes in the integrated design and development of intelligent systems that merge mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control engineering. The term "mechatronics" is derived from the combination of "mechanics" and "electronics," emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of this field.

Mechatronics engineers work on projects that involve the seamless integration of mechanical components with electronic control systems. Their expertise is used in industries such as robotics, automation, manufacturing, and emerging technologies where the convergence of mechanical and electronic elements is essential. As technology continues to advance, mechatronics engineers play a pivotal role in shaping innovative solutions that drive automation, efficiency, and enhanced functionality in a wide range of applications.

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a mechatronics engineer can vary depending on the specific industry and project they are involved in. However, some common tasks and responsibilities of a mechatronics engineer include:

• System Design and Integration: Mechatronics engineers design and integrate mechanical components, electronic sensors, actuators, and control systems to create innovative and intelligent machines or systems. They ensure that all components work together seamlessly to achieve the desired functionality and performance.
• Prototyping and Testing: Mechatronics engineers build and test prototypes of their designs to evaluate their functionality and identify potential improvements. They conduct experiments and simulations to validate the performance of the systems and make necessary adjustments.
• Software Development and Programming: Mechatronics engineers are proficient in programming microcontrollers, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and other control devices to manage and regulate the behavior of the mechanical and electronic components in the system.
• Electronics and Sensor Integration: They select and integrate appropriate sensors, such as cameras, encoders, and proximity sensors, to enable the system to perceive and respond to its environment.
• Automation and Robotics: Mechatronics engineers work on projects related to industrial automation and robotics. They design robotic systems for manufacturing, assembly lines, and autonomous vehicles, among others.
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: They diagnose and resolve issues with mechatronic systems and provide maintenance and support to ensure their continued smooth operation.
• Project Management: Mechatronics engineers often lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software developers to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Innovation and Research: Mechatronics engineers may be involved in research and development to push the boundaries of automation, robotics, and smart systems, contributing to technological advancements.

Types of Mechatronics Engineers
Mechatronics engineering is a multidisciplinary field that offers various specializations based on the specific applications and industries. Here are some types of mechatronics engineers:

·       Robotics Engineer: Robotics engineers specialize in the design, development, and programming of robotic systems. They work on creating intelligent machines capable of autonomous movement, sensing, and decision-making, with applications ranging from industrial automation to healthcare and beyond.

·       Automation Engineer: Automation engineers focus on designing and implementing automated systems that enhance efficiency and productivity in various industries. They may work on integrating sensors, actuators, and control systems to create automated processes in manufacturing, assembly lines, and industrial facilities.

·       Control Systems Engineer: Control systems engineers concentrate on developing algorithms and control strategies to regulate the behavior of mechatronic systems. They play a crucial role in ensuring precise and reliable performance, particularly in applications where feedback control is essential.

·       Mechanical Design Engineer (with Mechatronics Focus): Mechanical design engineers with a mechatronics focus work on the physical design of mechatronic systems. They ensure that mechanical components seamlessly integrate with electronic and control systems, emphasizing the holistic design of intelligent machines.

·       Industrial IoT Engineer: Engineers specializing in Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) focus on connecting mechatronic systems to the internet for data exchange and remote monitoring. They work on implementing smart sensors, communication protocols, and data analytics to enhance system capabilities.

·       Sensors and Actuators Engineer: Engineers in this specialization concentrate on the selection, integration, and optimization of sensors and actuators within mechatronic systems. They play a crucial role in translating physical movements and environmental data into electronic signals and vice versa.