More and more aspects of the world around us are becoming automated, with labour-saving machines, ‘always on’ connected devices and robots able to perform tasks quicker and more accurately than humans. These machines are staggeringly complex, with huge numbers of finely tuned moving parts being precisely controlled in the blink of an eye by state-of-the-art electronics. Just consider the machines you use on a daily basis and how many moving parts are involved.
Such machines are examples of mechatronic engineering, the science of combining mechanical engineering, electronic and computer engineering and software design to create intelligent machines. Mechatronic engineering skills are key in the ever growing presence of a connected world (Internet of Things (IoT))enabling machines to interact with the (electro-mechanical) physical and (software) virtual worlds via the internet. The potential in this area is immense no matter what your interest, from designing safer cars to building labour-saving intelligent robots to interfacing the mechanical and electronic parts of future renewable energy systems.
Mechatronic engineering skills are in demand by both national and international companies looking to ensure that products they manufacture are up-to-date and can be produced economically.
The skills learned in your course can be applied to many areas, including:
- Medical equipment
- Transport-related industries (e.g. cars, rail, aircraft)
- Hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical controls and drives
- Automated production systems
- Consumer products
- Robotics
- Food processing
- Petrochemicals
- Internet of Things (Connected devices)
- Research and Development Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Production Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Management Engineer
- System design, concentrating on mechanical systems, electronic hardware, software design or combinations thereof.
Further Information:
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechatronic Engineering
