Mechatronics

What is it?

Mechatronics is the intersection of several related fields, namely Computer, Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, in order to produce practical tools.  A Mechatronics specialist would be interested in jobs which integrate knowledge from different engineering fields and use them in order to create tools that can be used without the express knowledge of all of the fields together.

How is IT involved?

Mechatronics is in every way very closely integrated with computer and mechanical engineering, both of which are Information Technology wellsprings.  Without a deep knowledge of computers, programming, and engineering, a mechatronics specialist would be hard pressed to create some of the tools that we use in our everyday life.

Where can I see it?

Mechatronics is visible in most every part of modern day life, from the CD players using control engineering in concert with mechanical engineering in order to know which part of the CD to read when, to the anti-lock braking systems in your car responding to outside influences to keep you and your families safe in situations where your car goes out of control.

Mechatronics can also be seen in the robotics, engineering and commercial sectors, pioneering the inventions of tomorrow with brand new integrated methods.

How can I be a part of it?

Mechatronics employees working with electronics, mechanical tools, software and computers to accomplish their goals.  They need good technical communications skills, as well as entrepreneurial and business skills.

What else might I like?

Mechatronics is very closely related to both Robotics and Computer Engineering.  Oftentimes, robots are central to the tools a Mechatronics employee uses, especially when it comes to automation.  Computer Engineering knowledge is also very central to mechatronics, being the usual method by which Mechatronics is able to control their tools.

Where can I find out more?

Wikipedia:  Mechatronics

Project Mechatronics

The Mechatronics Zone