What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is a broad term. As Sabri Cetinkunt said in Mechatronics with Experiments "Mechatronics Engineering is the intersection of where Mechanical, Electronics Engineers and Computer Science meet." They each take something from the other. This is very much true. The most well-known example that people would identify with Mechatronics are robots, however it also includes control systems, mechanical systems and electronics; they all intersect with one another.

An example of where a Mechatronics engineer might come in handy, would be an automobile. Traditionally, cars are designed by mechanical engineers, particularly those who specialize in manufacturing and engine theory and design. Today's cars contain electrical components, like a touch screen control menu that has access to temperature controls or massage chairs, among other fancy amenities. Electrical Engineers would be the ones who are in charge of designing and integration of those electrical components. However, they would not have taken courses nor have the same expertise as Mechanical Engineers, and vice versa. Communication could potentially break down between the two types of engineers. This is where a Mechatronics Engineer would come in. Someone who understands both aspects of mechanical systems and electronics, and be able to work with the Mechanical engineer to efficiently integrate electrical components into the car.

Mechatronics Engineer is usually a specialization of a Mechanical Engineer, meaning a graduate of that program would still be a Mechanical Engineer. This makes sense in the long scheme of things because if you look at all mechanical systems that existed in the past century, like heat, ventilation, air conditions, as well as cars; nowadays they all have at least some sort of electrical component embedded it in that may help to control the system. Mechatronics Engineers have quite a lot to do in their futures!