The role of mechatronics

engineering in robotic

First coined in the late 1960s, “mechatronics” is now a part of everyday

life. Mechatronics is what allows you to ask Alexa about the weather, puts the
“control” in “cruise control”, and enables you to watch live video of your pets
when you’re at work.
At its most basic definition, mechatronics is integrating mechanized systems
with electronic, control, and computer systems. Since its origin, mechatronics
has been tied to robotics. Having multiple systems operating in conjunction and
seamlessly communicating has enabled robots to go from a robotic arm used in
diecasting to an artificial intelligence-based humanoid robot.
Unimate is considered to be the world’s first industrial robot. With its first
prototype released in 1958, Unimate was the first mass-produced robot used for
factory automation. Unimate was used by General Motors in the diecasting
process, which involved extracting hot metal automotive parts from a die, a task
dangerous for humans. Unimate was able to store digital commands that
provided the steps for the robot to complete its work.
The first full-scale humanoid robot, WABOT-1, was introduced in 1971. The robot
could communicate in Japanese, walk, and grasp objects. WABOT-2 was
released in 1980 with the goal of showing more “human-like intelligence and
dexterity” by being able to play a keyboard.
Touted as the “world’s most humanoid robot”, ASIMO was first created by Honda
in 2000. ASIMO was able to walk on multiple surfaces, climb stairs, and respond
to simple voice commands. With a focus on increasing autonomy, ASIMO
underwent revisions in 2011 to advance the robot’s intelligence and incorporate
autonomous behavior control technology. According to Honda, “Coordination
between visual and auditory sensors enables ASIMO to simultaneously recognize
a face and voice, enabling ASIMO to recognize the voices of multiple people who
are speaking simultaneously.”
One of the most advanced robots to use mechatronics is Sophia, “a human-
crafted science fiction character depicting the future of AI and robotics, and a
platform for advanced robotics and AI research,” according to creator, Hanson
Robotics. Activated in 2016, Sophia can display more than 60 facial expressions,
recognize individuals, answer certain questions, and have conversations. Hanson
has developed 11 other AI-based robots since Sophia’s release, all with the ability
to learn and develop based on the experiences they have.
Students studying mechatronics engineering at Capitol Tech take courses in
mechatronics system design, automation system design, industrial robotics, and
robotics systems, positioning them to be the next great developer of high-
functioning mechatronic robots.

What is Mechatronics Engineering?

Mechatronics engineering involves the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software

components to develop products, systems, and solutions. In other words, it is an interdisciplinary
field of engineering.

Previously, you would have had mechanical engineers who would work on mechanical
components and products, electrical engineers who would do all the electrical elements, and
computer engineers who would look after the computer hardware and software aspects.

Modern solutions require much deeper integration of these engineering fields, creating the need
for engineers with mechatronics skills.

It isn’t just electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, however, as mechatronics engineers
also need expertise in a wide range of other technologies and specialisms. This will vary from
company to company and project to project, but examples of the other technologies and
specialisms that are commonly part of mechatronics engineering include systems engineering,
robotics, controls engineering, data science, and software engineering.
Why Mechatronics Engineering is Important in Industry 4.0

There are many reasons why mechatronics engineering is important in Industry 4.0. Six of the
most relevant are highlighted below.
Moving Towards the Smart Factory

Mechatronics engineering is essential for advancing automation in manufacturing and making

factories smarter and more efficient. It also helps to optimise workflows and processes on
production lines, improve OEE (overall equipment effectiveness), and deliver a range of other
production and business benefits to manufacturing organisations.
Advancing Technologies

Mechatronics is a field of engineering that advances and innovates on a daily basis. In the past,
for example, automation might have involved automating and improving single production lines
or parts of a production line. Today, however, automation technologies can involve a much
wider range of business areas and processes. This includes automating decision-making and
enhancing integration through all parts of the business, in addition to integrating operational
technologies.
Multidisciplinary

Mechatronics engineering is also important in Industry 4.0 because it is multidisciplinary. In the

factories and industrial facilities of today, modern challenges require engineers with a broad
range of skills. The field of mechatronics engineering provides companies with the engineering
skills they need.

Reducing Labour Challenges

Mechatronics engineering is also helping to solve labour shortages in various industries. It is

doing this by helping companies automate, reducing the need for staff to carry out repetitive
tasks. This results in efficiency savings, but it also solves recruitment problems where companies
struggle to hire and retain the staff they need.

Focus on Adding Value

This point follows on from the above point. Traditionally, manufacturers would employ staff to
carry out manual and repetitive tasks. These tasks were essential, but they were not about adding
value to the business or driving the business forward.

Solutions developed by mechatronics engineers allow staff to move away from these repetitive
and manual tasks to instead work on tasks that are value-adding.

Maintaining Competitiveness

The field of mechatronics engineering helps companies remain competitive in a world where
technologies are making it possible to do more with less, faster than before, and in a more
personalised way.
For example, smart technologies exist that allow the integration of factories across multiple sites,
as well as technologies that maximise output, flexibility, and reliability. This is the competitive
environment faced by manufacturers across most industries, highlighting the need for continuous
modernisation and improvement. The field of mechatronics engineering makes this continuous
push to modernise and improve possible.
Becoming a Mechatronics Engineer

The starting point for becoming a mechatronics engineer is to get the right qualifications. An
example is a mechatronics engineering bachelor’s degree. Another common route into the field is
to get a mechanical engineering or electrical engineering degree first before moving into
mechatronics. This could be through on-the-job training and experience or through further
studies, including studying for a master’s in mechatronics.
You then need to gain as much experience as possible. Employers value experience as it
demonstrates you have the multidisciplinary skills that are essential in the field of mechatronics
engineering.
Finally, you need to commit to continuous professional development. Most engineering fields
develop and change over time, but none more so than mechatronics engineering. So, constantly
broadening and improving your skills is essential.