Mechatronics

Division of STEAM
Associate Dean: Bradley Cole

A Mechatronics Technician is skilled in the art of troubleshooting a factory automation system with respect to:

• the motors that drive the system
• the mechanical components that comprise the system
• the sensors that provide information of the systems status and performance, and
• the communication network that connects this subsystem to the larger integrated system.

The purpose of this program is to prepare graduates to meet the needs of Advanced Manufacturing companies in both our local and regional area for employment as Process control Technicians, Industrial Maintenance positions, and general technical support positions. Worldwide, manufacturing has evolved to embrace automation through the application of robotics, computer-controlled machines, and supply chain management. This requires networked systems that can communicate with each other and may soon further evolve to what some have termed a digital control tower.

The “Web of Things” is expanding at an alarming rate. Companies can now use data analysis from smart sensors ("Things") placed throughout their automated lines to predict future failures and thereby schedule maintenance to reduce downtimes in production.

The need for technicians that can maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot these systems currently exceeds what educational institutions are producing. With the global growth of automation and a desire to remain competitive, the demand for graduates in this field should continue to rise.

Graduates should be able to:

• Troubleshoot a complex Mechatronics system through the measurement, interpretation, and analysis of electrical, PLC/microcontroller, mechanical, and network configuration values;
• Program mechatronic subsystem modules using current industry standard Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's);
• Implement PLC networks, including configuration and data transfer using bus systems;
• Maintain, monitor, and repair computerized automation systems and robotic devices;
• Perform effectively as a team member communicating technically with upstream and downstream production operations in advanced manufacturing companies.