Mechatronics Defined

Macomb Community College has created a new program… one that will prepare you for a rewarding and exciting career with automated equipment. Think of combining knowledge about electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, sensors, robotics, computers and controls together with programming and troubleshooting skills. That’s a recipe for one exciting career! You will learn Industrial Hands-On Skills as well as Realism through Virtual Training.

We have the latest equipment… industrial grade… along with computer simulation software. You’ll see the simulations respond to your commands and then see the real machine do it too.

The study of Mechatronics will integrate the following topics:

Electronics
Mechanics
Pneumatics
Sensors
Robotics
Computers
Controls
Software
Simulation

The name Mechatronics stems from Mechanical and Electronics, and is a relatively new approach to product design and development, merging the principles of electrical, mechanical, computer, and industrial engineering. It addresses the four interconnected disciplines used for all complex modern devices. Mechatronics systems are typically composed of traditional mechanical and electrical components, but are referred to as “smart” devices or systems because of the incorporation of sensors, actuators, and computer control systems. Over the years, the term “mechatronics” has come to mean the integrated methodology for designing products that exhibit fast, precise performance.

Mechatronics has been popular in Japan and Europe for many years, and has in recent years gained industrial and academic acceptance as a field and study and practice in Great Britain and the United States. The primary role of mechatronics is one of initiation and integration throughout the whole of the design process, with the mechatronics engineer as the leader. Experts in this field must acquire general knowledge of various techniques and be able to master the entire design process. They must be able to use the special knowledge resources of other people and the particular blend of technologies that will provide the most economic, innovative, elegant and appropriate solution to the problem at hand. Industry needs mechatronics engineers to continue to rapidly develop innovative products with performance, quality and low cost in order to compete in today's rapidly changing global environment.

Mechatronic devices or “smart” devices have become common in our technologically advanced society. Mechatronics engineers can work in any company that develops, designs or manufactures and markets “smart” devices. Opportunities exist in manufacturing and sales as well as research. Mechatronic devices can be found in medicine and surgery, agriculture, buildings, homes, automobiles, toys, the entertainment industry, manufacturing, intelligent aids for the elderly and disabled and so much more.