Mechatronics Engineering

Introduction:

Mechatronics is centered on the disciplines of mechanics, electronics, controls and computers which, when combined make possible the generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile commercial and industrial products. The term was first used in 1969 in Japan, but has become more common in the last twenty years, as traditional mechanical products became increasingly governed by electronic and computer control. It is said that the term 'mechatronics' was invented by a Japanese engineer Tetsura Mori who worked for Yasakava company. Mechatronics is a field of engineering that focuses on the design and production of automated equipment.

Mechatronic engineering is an interdisciplinary engineering field which is the combination of computer, electrical, electronics and mechanical engineering that serves the purpose of controlling advanced hybrid systems. In other words, Mechatronics is a branch of engineering that incorporates the ideas of mechanical and electronic engineering into one entity, and in particular cover those areas of engineering concerned with the increasing integration of mechanical, electronic, and software engineering into a production process. It is also called Robotic Science. Mechatronics engineering is an integrated approach to the design of computer controlled electro-mechanical systems. The field of mechatronics integrates the operations, skills and tools of mechanical engineering with those of electrical and computer engineering. It unites the principles of mechanics, electronics and computing, and the end purpose is to design a simpler and more economical system.

A typical mechatronic system is characterised by close integration of the mechanical components, electronic sensors, mechanical and electrical actuators and computer controllers. Mechatronics because of its usefulness is now proving to be one of the most functional of the various existing engineering disciplines. A mechatronics graduate can utilize his multiple skills for system designing, and manufacturing the products by incorporating control, electronic and computer devices. Mechatronic engineers design and implement mechanical devices that combine mechanics, software design and electronics. Mechatronics engineers are mechanics, electrical engineers and electronicians all at the same time. A well trained graduate in the field of mechatronics can fulfill all needs of the technical industry.

These systems are found in numerous industry sectors where mechanical and electronic engineering are interfaced with computer systems, such as aerospace, automotive, chemical processing, computers, communications, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing and mining. Examples of mechatronic systems are robots, digitally controlled combustion engines, machine tools with self-adaptive tools, contact-free magnetic bearings, automated guided vehicles etc.

Degrees, Eligibility & Course Areas: Educational: In order to be eligible for a course at undergraduate level in mechatronics you need to have done 10+2 or equivalent with physics, chemistry and mathematics. Bachelor courses (B.E./B.Tech) are of 4 years duration. There are also masters and PhD courses in mechatronics. Applicants for postgraduate programmes in Mechatronics are required to have completed B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent from a recognized University/Institution in the area of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Electronics & Telecommunication, Instrumentation and Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. M.Tech course is 2 year duration programme. Ph.D takes three to five years to complete.

Being an interdisciplinary area of study, a course in the discipline will throw light on the other disciplines that go into the making of mechatronics. Typically, a mechatronics course will focus on both the application and the theoretical perspectives associated with the branch of engineering. Subjects covered include mathematics, mechanics, thermo dynamics, circuit system, electronics and communication, mechanical designing, power engineering etc.

Top Engineering colleges for Mechatronics Engineering in India:

Kongu Engineering College, Tamil Nadu.
K.S Rangaswamy college of Technology, Tamil Nadu.
Sri Krishna college of Engineering & Technology, Tamil Nadu.
Nehru Institute of Engineering & Technology, Coimbatore.
Hindusthan college of Engineering & Technology - Tamil Nadu.

Skills:

It is essential for a mechatronic engineer to have sound knowledge of electronics, software design and mechanics. He/She must possess good communication, problem solving, decision making skill and creative skills. They must have interpersonal and team working skills, an inquisitive and logical mind. They need to have excellent technical drawing and computer skills. They should have numeric skills as math's is an important tool and interest in technical as well as mechanical activities.

Processes & Career Options:

In the current scenario of technical advancement those who can handle multiple disciplines of engineering is preferred rather than one who sticks to a branch by itself. Hence, Mechatronics being an integrated new generation course has wide potential within the country and abroad. A career in mechatronics engineering is ideal for those who like to broaden ones knowledge in engineering. There is almost no product in the world that is solely electronic, electrical or mechanical in nature. This means that each discipline is blended and there is growing demand for those specialise in this interdisciplinary branch of engineering.

Mechatronic engineering is a new focus area in engineering with wide range of application in business and industrial sector. As more industries are implementing advanced technologies opportunities for mechatronics engineers are increasing both in large, global enterprises, and in smaller, innovative companies. Graduates of Mechatronic engineering has wide applications in robotics, nanotechnology, automation, aircraft engineering, oceanography, oil and gas, biomedical systems, transport and computer-aided design. Mechatronics engineer design, develop, maintain and manage high-technology engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks. Biomechatronics is a branch of Mechatronics having electronics, mechatronics and biology as the different fields of study. Mechatronics engineering graduates may work in areas of design, research and development, sales, production management, safety, and quality. A mechatronic engineer designs mechanical devices that incorporate electrical, software and mechanical components. The combination of these three key areas has resulted in the development and design of mechatronic or smart products.

Industries entered in mechatronic engineering include automobile, aerospace, defence and energy as well as the manufacturing of industrial and domestic products, drugs, furniture and processing of chemicals and foods. The most striking example of mechatronics is the development of the Mars rover used by NASA to take samples and photographs of the Martian surface. After completing the course in mechatronics, career avenues an aspirant can get include positions such as a systems engineer, application engineer, product development engineer, quality and safety engineer, research and development engineers, project supervisors and managers in the industries and research institutes. They are expected to be employed in all sectors of manufacturing, electrical and electronics industry - from product design, manufacturing, system design, equipment and system control, robotics, automation, computer technology, quality control, industrial management, and marketing mechatronics products and services. There is also demand for mechatronics engineers in areas of research and development activities. There is chances for educators in the academic area of this multidisciplinary field in universities and colleges.

Challenges:

Intense competition is putting pressure on machine builders to deliver machines with higher throughput, reduced operating cost, and increased safety. For this reason, today’s machine builders have switched from rigid, single-purpose machines – relying purely on mechanical gears and cams – to flexible multipurpose machines by adopting modern control systems and servomotors. Although these improvements have made machines more adaptable, they also have introduced a significant amount of complexity to the machines and subsequently to the machine design process. Along with designing the mechanicals, machine builders now incorporate control logic, human machine interfaces (HMIs), networking, and machine condition monitoring systems into their designs. The added complexity has created inefficiencies in the machine design process that lengthen design time and increase design cost. Solving this multidisciplinary engineering problem requires improvements in three key areas – development techniques, design tools, and embedded control technology. The term mechatronics is gaining popularity as a way to describe this evolution. It represents an industry-wide effort to improve the design process by integrating the best available development practices and technologies to streamline machine design, prototyping, and deployment.

Remuneration:

The remuneration and conditions of service depend on the industry and its function. Apart from demand for engineers working experience, qualifications, ability are important factors in determining the pay level. Most fresh engineers start at Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month, with allowances. Those with experience can command salary of Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 per month within the country. The scope for employment and salary is much better abroad.

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