Mechatronic engineers design and maintain machinery with electronic and computer control systems, such as aircraft, robots, motor vehicles, cameras, power generators and mining and chemical plant machinery.
Mechatronic engineering is a new focus area in engineering that promises to become even more important in the future, in South Africa as well as internationally. With automation currently regarded as the key to improved productivity, the need for mechatronics (which makes it possible to generate simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile systems) increases by the day.
Mechatronic engineering is a combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronics and computer systems.
Mechatronic engineers may perform the following tasks:
- design, develop, maintain and manage high-technology engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks
- apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of material, components or finished goods
- apply advanced electronic control systems, which are usually computer-driven
- design and assist in the manufacture of consumer products, such as cameras and video recorders
- apply electronic and mechanical processes and computers to tasks where the use of human labour may be dangerous (eg underwater exploration, mining or forestry)
- carry out studies into the feasibility, cost implications and performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment
Workplaces range from laboratories and processing plants to engineering design offices.
Satisfying Aspects
- many areas to choose from, thus working in your field of interest
- solving problems
- opportunity to be creative
- variety and challenge of work
- good salary
Demanding aspects
- working long hours to fiinish a project
- many years of study required
- having to keep up with the latest technological advances in your field
Requirements
- enjoy technical and engineering activities
- have good communication skills
- able to work as part of a team
- able to think creatively and solve problems
- interested in mechanical equipment, such as robotic and production equipment, and good at Physics and Mathematics
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Information Technology, Electrical Technology
Training
Degree: BEng (Mechatronic) degree can be taken at various universities, e.g. NMMU, UCT, UNISA, US. Mechatronic engineers need to have a degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, control systems engineering or in a similar field in order to be eligible for employment as a mechatronics engineer.
Postgraduate: For research posts, a Masters or PhD is required with courses taken in the field of mechatronics.
At US, for example, the BEng (Mechatronic) programme contains elements from the BEng (Mechanical) and the BEng (Electrical and Electronic) programmes. The most important difference between the mechanical engineering programme and the mechatronic programme is that mechanical engineers are equipped to develop mechatronic systems with existing controllers (computers, PLC’s, etc.), while mechatronic engineers are also equipped to develop the necessary electronic controllers themselves (e.g. for built-in controllers) and the relevant electronics. In the BEng (Mechatronic) programme, some of the more specialized elements of the BEng (Mechanical) programme are replaced by electronics and computer engineering from the BEng (Electrical and Electronic) programme.
Employer
Companies and organisations involved in the following:
- aerospace industry
- automotive industry
- chemical processing
- computers
- communications
- education
- electronics
- healthcare
- manufacturing and process
- marine engineering
- mining
- research and development
Contact
Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Private Bag X 691
Bruma, 2026
Tel: (011) 607-9500 Fax: (011) 622-9295
E-mail: engineer@ecsa.co.za
www.ecsa.co.za