what is mechatronic engineering about?

Question

im thinkin of doin a degree in engineering, prob is not sure which part of engineering.although mechatronic interests me more, so was just wondering what type of work do mechatronic engineers deal wit, and where do they work?do u hav to start off as a technician?and is it enough to get a proper job with just a degree??

Answer 1

mechatronics is a combination of electrical engineering and mechanical engineering and uses concepts from both fields. Moreover, alot of coding and programming is involved. In the u.s, there aren't very many universities that give out mechatronics degrees. This is more common in countries like Japan, Singapore and some in Europe where there is heavy use of robotic manipulators in the factories. in the U.S, u either take M.E or E.E and then specialize in control systems meaning take alot of controls courses.

do a search on what "electric motor drives" are and see if that interests u. also check out sites like

www.microchip.com

www.freescale.com

and read their tutorials, application notes, etc. Microchip is very simple and u will like reading their technical presentations.

but it would help if u can tell us why mechatronics interests u ?



the person below me sounds like Dr.' Ned Mohan', a famous electrical engineering professor from the University of Minnesota. He specializes in Motor Drives as well as Power Electronics and he is well known leading expert in the area of Mechatronics in the U.S.

the funny thing about university of minnesota,t.c, is that they have a very small power program yet they have a very famous professor in this area. He should move to University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Answer 2

The word ‘mechatronics’ emerged in Japan in the 1980s as the core engineering discipline associated with robots and automation. A Mechatronic Engineer is a person who exploits a synergy between mechanics and electronics to design, construct and maintain improved products and processes. The products and processes may be as common as a "smarter", more efficient washing machine, or as innovative as a fully automated robotic assembly line for mass production, or as extraordinary as the Mars Rover.



Mechatronics is a new approach in engineering design and production based on the integration of two of the classical engineering disciplines, namely mechanical and electrical engineering, along with computer science and especially software engineering.



Many mechatronic engineers work with the electronic and computer control systems which nearly all machinery relies on for efficient and reliable operation. All modern aircraft, cars and appliances rely on mechatronic engineering. Mechatronic engineers build and design these systems and need expertise in computing and electronics, core mechanical engineering knowledge, and the ability to bring these together to make working systems which meet the safety and reliability levels.



Mechatronic engineers also have established roles in project engineering where their cross-disciplinary knowledge gives them an edge on mechanical or electrical engineers. Mechatronic engineers can work with electrical and mechanical systems together and solve problems that cross discipline boundaries. Their strength in IT, computer hardware and networking as well as software also helps them to be very versatile problem solvers.

Answer 3

Since it has been 7 years since you asked this, I see it as appropriate to ask this. Did you do mechatronics? Did you like it?