University of Alberta offers first of its kind new mechatronics and robotics Engineering Program

Though the electrical and mechanical engineering programs are already popular, mechatronics is also gaining popularity among students.

Study in Canada: The University of Alberta is offering a new mechatronics and robotics engineering program. The program is an integration of other Engineering courses which are much in demand which include electrical, robotics, mechanical and computer engineering.

While commenting on the new program, Associate Dean of Engineering Pierre Mertiny said, “A big part of this program is getting students to think in systems. Mechanical and electrical engineers typically focus on components, and if they need to design a system, they start thinking upward from the components. Mechatronics engineers think the other way around. They think big-picture system, and then break that down to components.”

Mechatronics demand is increasing among students

The university's statement said that though electrical and mechanical engineering programs were already popular among the faculty, mechatronics is also gaining popularity as the students inquire about training in the field.

Pierre Mertiny added, “Students want to create the next generation of the world we live in — all the gadgets and the automated systems. They can see that many of the positive changes in the world seem to be linked to them.”

This new popular course of mechatronics also needs skills in Artificial Intelligence, he added.

In the technologically advancing society where today's industries are becoming automated including sectors like aerospace engineering, oil and gas mining and refining, energy grids, chemical production, drones for environmental monitoring, automotive manufacturing, and precision health care, mechatronics is gaining popularity.

Even commercial buildings and the residential industry are becoming automated.

"Companies like that often can’t find qualified people in Alberta, so they have to recruit mechatronics graduates from Eastern Canada. Students who come from our program will be able to hit the ground running with an understanding of controls, sensors — all the hardware used in systems. And they’ll be skilled at problem-solving," says Mertiny.

The new program needs new faculties who specialize in robotics and mechatronics to teach the additional 100 students. The program's first cohort will start their academic journey in the fall of 2025 after they complete the foundational first-year engineering program.

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