The Future of Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Advanced manufacturing has become the heartbeat of developed nations. From this industry, an entirely new discipline has been born: Mechatronics. Specialists in this new field perform a combination of electronics engineering, computer science, and more to design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot automation robots in manufacturing.
Are you interested in working with robotics, automated machinery, computers, or in a manufacturing setting? Now could be a great time to start earning a degree in mechatronics from an accredited college or university.
What is a Degree in Mechatronics?
A degree in mechatronics is a multi-disciplinary section in the field of engineering technology. Rather than embracing the traditional engineering fields, it integrates electrical, mechanical and software engineering disciplines.
A typical degree program in mechatronics combines theory and hands-on education. The goal is to help students learn how and why something works, then put that theory into practice. Although earning a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics at some schools might take four years or more, accelerated programs offer students the opportunity to learn faster and finish a bachelor’s sooner.
Why You Should Study for a Mechatronics Degree?
Mechatronics is at the core of everything in our lives. From complex computer hardware systems, to coffee makers, to dishwashers, to the production of simple chocolate bars, automation and manufacturing are behind everything. Like the term mechatronics suggests, the phrase is coined from the terms “mechanical" and "electronics.”
Mechatronics professionals act as a link between the technicians and engineers. In most cases, mechatronics experts work from conception to completion of a project. According to a research report conducted by Aberdeen Group, the most successful companies are those that are capitalizing on mechatronics, or similar collaborative processes.
In mechatronics the principles of electronics, mechanics, and computing are all unified under one umbrella to create an economic, functionally complex system.
Role of Mechatronics
The role of mechatronics is a mixed bag of mechanical, electronic, and computing disciplines; all rolled together in a single outfit to create simple machines that require multiple complex machines to function. A classic example of a simple machine with complex technologies is a vehicle. The mechanical parts turn other parts; an electrical system provides the necessary energy to power features like the headlights, and the computers and the sensors signal when all the parts should move.
From consumer goods like smartphones, laundry machines, and espresso machines, all the way to industrial applications such as CNC machine tools, x-rays machines, and MRI technology, mechatronics is everywhere.
Mechatronics professionals work in all different stages of product development, from designing and testing, right through to the actual manufacturing. In most cases, mechatronics goes hand in hand with other support specialists. Depending on the specific industry, a mechatronics technician may perform myriad tasks ranging from testing codes, examining electrical systems, or designing projects.
Also, the job entails a lot of paperwork. A technician has to document every process of the project.
Some of the common mechatronics tasks include:
- Designing and building new products
- Designing and building engineering systems
- Modeling and analysis
- Introducing and improving the existing automation systems in factories and industries
- Developing industrial solutions using computer/mechanical systems
- Assessing the feasibility of mechatronics systems
- Applying control systems using computers
Opportunities
Mechatronics is an emerging field. Due to its novelty, you will rarely find a job listing in need of a mechatronic technician. The mechatronics discipline is an extensive field that covers different aspects. A degree in mechatronics allows you to fit in with a variety of electronic, mechanical, and computing related industries.
Some of the industries where mechatronics technicians are likely to be found:
- Industries requiring hi-tech input in their processing process
- Technology-based industries
- Software firms
- Mining industries
- Defense organizations
- Research organizations
Are you interested in the growing field of mechatronics? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology with a concentration in Mechatronics, there’s no time like the present to get started. ECPI University offers this degree at an accelerated pace so you can graduate sooner. For more information on this exciting degree program, connect with a friendly ECPI University admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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