What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is a blend of mechanics, electronics, information technology and computers. Mechatronics has come to mean the synergistic use of precision engineering, control theory, computer science, and sensor and actuator technology to design improved products and processes. Mechatronics is simply the application of the latest techniques in precision mechanical engineering, controls theory, computer science, and electronics to the design process to create more functional and adaptable products. Mechatronics practitioners prototype the whole design, and then specialists in the various disciplines take over the detailed design. Because mechatronics students study a range of disciplines, they are well equipped to go into a wide range of jobs in electrical or mechanical engineering, as well as software development and management positions. As mechatronics is still considered a new discipline, it is rare to find companies advertising specifically for mechatronics graduates. Jobs that would be considered to be in mechatronics  are often advertised as being for electrical, mechanical or control engineers. The combined skills of the mechatronics graduate are becoming increasingly valuable to the employer, especially in areas such as:

• defense systems
• modern industrial systems
• maintenance diagnosis and troubleshooting  
• space systems
• vehicle design, manufacturing and testing
• robotics
• electrical control and drives
• software development  
• electrical consumer goods
• food processing
• automated production systems
• sales and marketing off engineering products  

Why Mechatronics at AUS?
Gulf countries, as well as other countries in the region, made great investments in industrial sectors in late 1970s and the 1980s. This infrastructure today needs a major upgrade and re-innovation in order to compete in the local and global market. This task needs to integrate new technologies (computers, micro-controllers, software engineering, semiconductor devices and mechanical systems). Most importantly, this task needs new engineering training to carry out the challenge of modernizing and sustaining these industrial infrastructures and systems. 

Engineering education in the new millennium is a challenge marked by knowledge doubling every few years. Information technology and the advent of computing, which are accompanied by decreasing cost, revolutionized the design process of engineering products. These challenges are reflected significantly on engineering education, calling for integration versus separation, and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education. Mechatronics education in the Gulf is meeting the challenges facing engineering education locally in particular. A mechatronics program designed for engineers working in industry as well as fresh graduates is necessary. Mechatronics education is a strategic choice for the region. The market needs and the development plans in the region call for a flexible engineering workforce equipped with state-of-the-art tools. A graduate program designed to help working engineers face the challenges and exploit the opportunities of 21st century is imperative.