Top Trends in Mechatronics Education

[Sponsored Article]

Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of precision of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Automatic Control and Computer Science, hence the prefix "Mecha"; stands for Mechanical Engineering and "tronics"; stands for the Electronics engineering. The term "mechatronics" was coined by Tetsuro Mori, the senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskawa in 1969.

The program, which is a combination of electronics, mechanical, control, systems design and computer engineering streams, develops engineers with multi-disciplinary skills to meet industrial demands. Engineers, through this programme, get a chance to design, construct and run factory based production lines and automated processes. Here, they use their computer skills along with their knowledge in manufacturing processes. Other skills that can be used are in programmable logic controllers, micro-controllers, industrial sensors, design of mechanical structures pneumatic and electric drives.

Scope of Mechatronics Engineering:

Mechatronics Engineering offers plethora of opportunities to its learners. The stream, which involves majorly industrial applications, offers multiple opportunities in not only in mechatronics but in other areas like electrical, computer engineering, systems etc. Mechatronics can be applied in the following areas:

• Telecommunication and Data Communication Networks
• Power Devices
• Transportation and Vehicle Systems
• Medical Mechatronics systems
• Energy Devices
• Heavy Engineering and Manufacturing Systems
• Consumer Products
• Computer Aided Design
• Computer Techniques in Medical, Bio imaging and Technology Systems
• Biomedical Systems
• Automations and Replica Productions
• Computer Aided and Integrated Manufacturing Devices and Systems

Career Prospects

There is a huge demand for Mechatronics engineers in the field of designing, implementing and operating internet control of machines, autonomous robots, engine management systems and Electronics / Mechanics manufacturing industries.

Students have the opportunity to work both in Government and the private sector. Some of the fields where, mechatronics engineers are in high demand are:

Manufacturing Industry	Defense
Robotics	Bio medical
Aerospace	Oil and Gas industry
Marine	Computer industry
Agri Tech	Logistics
Industrial automation	Smart Factories
Electronics

After completion of the course, students can get into Research field as well.

In this current scenario we give more importance to teach the theory along with providing practical knowledge to our students at Chennai Institute of Technology. To build in students the ability to give solutions to real problems, they are encouraged to participate in various competitions. It helps them to adapt to technologies and future developments. Our students are getting good knowledge in especially Industrial Robotics and Industrial Automation, PLC etc.

About the Author:

P.Sriram is the Founder and Managing Director of M.K. Group of Companies, Chennai. He is also the founder Chairman of Chennai Institute of Technology. As a Mechanical Engineer with 25 years of industry experience, he believes in identifying and motivating the youth to acquire strong skillset along with the knowledge to create an innovative and interactive learning environment to eventually contribute to developing India.