Mechatronics is a discipline that links various engineering specializations. Electronic engineering , computer engineering , mechanical engineering and control engineering , for example, come together in mechatronics.
In fact, we often talk about mechatronic engineering to refer to this combination of knowledge . This is also the name for the university degree that trains professionals capable of providing solutions that transcend those that each of the engineering disciplines could generate separately.
It is important to clarify that mechatronics is not conceived as a branch of engineering. This is a new area that was born from the interaction and integration of several branches of engineering .
Numerical calculation, thermotechnics, electrical engineering, industrial automation y industrial robotics, en tanto, están entre las materias o asignaturas habituales que un estudiante de ingeniería mecatrónica debe cursar para alcanzar su qualification. El objetivo es que el graduado tenga una formación multidisciplinaria que le permita responder a los numerosos desafíos de su ámbito.
A mechatronics expert, therefore, can devise, design, develop and operate automated and advanced technology systems and equipment that make it possible to increase productivity and competitiveness. Their work may be focused on satisfying certain emerging needs and must be committed to offering a positive impact in all areas, from the social to the political, including the environmental.
Another task that a person with a degree in mechatronic engineering can carry out is the generation of solutions that are based on innovation, creativity and the continuous advancement of automation and process control systems typical of the industry. This last point is directly related to another of its commitments: promoting competitiveness among companies. He also has the appropriate training to manage work teams that combine different disciplines.
Artificial intelligence , robotics and computerized control are some of the areas of interest of these engineers. For example, through the evaluation, selection and integration of machines and devices (such as numerical control lathes, robots, industrial computers and programmable logic controllers) that can improve industrial manufacturing processes.
Although mechatronics is frequently associated with robotics , both notions do not refer to the same thing. Robotics is considered to be part of mechatronics since, although most robots are mechatronic, there are mechatronic systems that cannot be defined as robots.
The subjects included in the mechatronic engineering degree revolve around the exact sciences. Some of the most common are mathematics, physics, electronics, computer science, mechanical engineering, automatic control, industrial engineering and mechatronics itself. Within this wide range of subjects , students must have the possibility of opting for some of them, leaving others out of their study plan with the aim of specializing in a given field of application.
We should not underestimate the importance of specialization in the labor market, especially in technology-based careers. This is the first step towards a series of postgraduate courses that allow the professional to expand and solidify their knowledge more and more, always with a well-defined objective. Many companies appreciate this approach and therefore prioritize specialized applicants over those with a more diverse background .
The specialty of a mechatronics engineer includes study at a theoretical and practical level, since they must be trained in such a way that they can carry out a project that results in the application of patents and popular scientific publications.