or Mechatronic Engineering, humourously (but incorrectly) referred to as Megatronics at times. In Afrikaans Megatronika or Megatroniese Ingenieurswese. What is it? What can you do with it? When I started studying I didn’t know, after 5 years I think I have a vague idea. So below I’m going to post what I know.
In it’s simplest form it’s a combination of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering. If I really don’t feel like explaining, I simplify it to robotics. This is certainly a large portion of Mechatronics, but by no means a limiting factor.
Mechatronics as a named profession is fairly new, but the idea has always been there. In the South African context, UCT have had an accredited BSc (Eng) Mechatronics course since 1997 (although how long it has actually been running is uncertain), NMMU a BEng since 2007 (first graduates) and Stellenbosch since 2005 [1]. Potchefstroom University (NWU) are apparently aiming to start a course in the next few years [2]. Although not offered in the BEng format, UKZN do offer Masters through their Mechatronics and Robotic Research Group [3]. [EDIT: added list of BTech degrees and Diplomas offered at the bottom of the post]
Mechatronics at Stellenbosch [2]
I completed my BEng Mechatronics at Stellenbosch University in 2011. The Mechatronics course was presented by the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering in a four year course. The first two years were identical to that of those studying towards a BEng Mechanical. The first year course is identical for all engineering students. In the third and fourth years, the two courses still followed similar routes, with the Mechatronics course replacing several Mechanical courses with some courses presented by the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. In third year these included Electronics and Computer System’s courses and fourth year Electronics and Electronic Design Courses. Losing out on some Strength of Materials and Thermo-Fluid Mechanics.
The department put it this way [6]
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 specialised controllers (e.g. for embedded controllers) and the relevant electronics themselves.
At the time, the Head of Department felt that Mechatronics as an entity was still too new. Employers weren’t advertising for Mechatronic Engineers, and didn’t really know what to do with them when they did get them. This resulted in the close ties between the Mechanical and Mechatronic courses. I was often unhappy about this, having would of preferred more focus on the Electronics, but in the end it worked out. And the HoD’s opinions were/are valid.
When I chose Mechatronics, I didn’t know where I was going to work, I chose the course because it sounded interesting. It wasn’t until my final year that I found a direction to work towards. Course setups at different universities are going to be different, and will put emphasis on different subjects, that doesn’t necessarily make one better than the other. Either way you’re going to come out of it with a degree and a fair amount of knowledge. Most importantly though (and this is true for any engineering degree) is you’ll know how to learn.
I’m quite confident that specific things that I learn in my first year of work will be of more value to my career than a specific subject at varsity, but having struggled through several subjects, I know I can figure out most things that come my way. I know where to look and how to go about solving problems.
In my final year we were a class of 85 Mechanical/Mechatronic students, of which I’d say about 30-35 received their BEng Mechatronics in 2011.
Mechatronics at NMMU [2]
NMMU have a slightly different setup. Mechatronics is presented by the Mechatronics school of the Department of Engineering, the Built Environment and IT. Mechatronics is the only Engineering degree they offer. As such, first year physics and maths are taken alongside BSc students and after the first year, courses taken are aimed only at Mechatronics students. The format of the course is still identical to that of when it started giving a good balance of subjects. The University also offers an array of BTech degrees in other Engineering fields.
I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree at NMMU. Their 4th year BEng Mechatronics class has roughly 25 students in it and the 3rd year class about 30. First year applications are limited to 60, with the most recent 1st year class starting with 50 students. The Mechatronics department is currently sponsored by General Motors South Africa (who have a plant in PE) and also have close ties to the Volkswagen plant in Uitenhage.
Mechatronics in General
Mechatronics as a career is still finding its feet. Meaning many consider it a jack of all trades, master of none type of situation, and although the course may feel that way, it’s certainly not the end of the story.
Mechatronics isn’t a new field, it’s just finally been given a name. When you tell people you’re a Mechatronic Engineer they don’t know what that is. I had a month stint at a large production facility as part of vacation training and I was asked to choose between focusing on their Mechanical or Electrical divisions, eventually settling for a bit of time at each. But that’s how businesses in SA are structured. This will change.
Several Mechatronic Engineers that I know have taken up Automation maintenance posts. Nothing wrong with this, personally it’s not where I want to be. Contrary to this though, my first job next year will be in automation maintenance. I however plan to use this as a stepping stone into a design career.
Automation is fun, and whereas I am going into automation in a production sense, automation also relates to smaller and/or more technical situations. The recent landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars is a perfect example of Mechatronic systems. There are several elements here, from the automated landing system to the remote control of the device.
In the motor industry, systems such as traction control, ABS and ESP are all examples of Mechatronic systems. Heavily complicated systems that rely on the processing of data from sensors to enable control of actuators. As such a Mechatronic Engineer can make him/herself home in many different industries. These include the Automotive, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Medical and Communications Industries.
Mechatronic Engineers can register with ECSA to become Professional Engineers [4]. The industry is governed by the South African Institute for Mechanical Engineers. I don’t see Mechatronics separating from this tree any time soon. The degree, being accredited by ECSA also means that the degree will be recognised internationally in many countries thanks to the Washington, Sydney and Dublin Accords [5]
So what do you do when you have your degree? You do whatever you want. You’ll find something. I’m not aware of any of my colleagues who are currently not pursuing a post-graduate degree or are employed. Not all of them are in Mechatronic specific posts. Some have opted for more mechanical orientated jobs, while others have gone entirely into areas such as electronic design or programming. And that’s one thing, a degree in Mechatronic Engineering in no way limits you. Very few engineering degrees will actually.
After re-reading what I’ve written, I think I’ve put forward some information relating to Mechatronic Engineering, but it’s still left fairly vague, maybe it’s just because none of us know what we’re really doing :)
From xkcd.com
A National Diploma in Mechatronics (for registration as a Professional Engineering Technician) can also be had from the following institutions [7]:
- Tshwane University of Technology
- UNISA
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
A BTech in Mechatronics (for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist) from [8]:
- Tshwane University of Technology
- UNISA
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
and to reiterate, a BEng, or BScEng (for registration as a Professional Engineer) [1]:
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Note: Although other institutions may offer courses in Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Mechatronic elements, the ones listed above are the only ones recognised by ECSA for registration as a mechatronic professional. Information was correct at time of posting, but may have changed since.
There are also several Universities of Technology and FET Colleges which offer courses in Mechatronics. CPUT is one of these institutions. Another training institution is Umbilo Training Specialists in Durban. They are running a free training course, once a month where anyone can come to learn more and expand their knowledge. Checkout their page for details.
For some more reading and a very complimentary view with some poignant remarks have a read here.
As part of my degree at Stellenbosch University I completed a project which can be seen here.
As part of my master’s degree at NMMU I completed a project which can be seen here and here.
If you’re looking for bursaries, try this website.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section.
- [1] ECSA – Accredited Universities
- [2] Much of what is stated comes from my own experiences and conversations with relevant people.
- [3] UKZN – Mechatronics and Robotics
- [4] ECSA – Registration
- [5] ECSA – Recognised Qualifications
- [6] Stellenbosch University – Mechatronic Engineering
- [7] ECSA – Accredited Diplomas
- [8] ECSA – Accredited BTech
Hi. I just want to know if am I going to be able to fix cars and computers when I’ve got a Degree Mechatronics?
Haha, not quite. Depending on where you study you’re going to learn slightly different things, and although what you may learn might help you to better understand certain components within a car and a computer, you won’t just be able to fix anything that goes wrong with either of these. Studying engineering does make it easier to learn how to do these things, so you may find it easier to figure out how to fix them, but mechatronics does not specifically focus on cars or computers.
How much is an average salary for a mechatronical engineer p.a
It really depends, if you get a mechatronics engineering degree you can expect a starting salary of around R180k pa. Depends where you work, what industry and at a later stage the type of company you’re in.
Hi Sir,
How much can I earn in my first year if I have a PhD in mechatronics ?
Hi ompha it depends where you’ll be working and in what industry. It might be difficult at first to get a good paying job without experience even with your phd. An absolute minimum of R20 000 a month though. But that should climb quickly with your qualifications
Thanks. But is it true that most companies are afraid of hiring Drs since they know that they’ll need a lot of money?And what are the disadvantages of having a PhD?
Getting your phd is a major thing. You really have to specialise in something and be very committed to that topic. It’s a minimum of 3 years during which you focus on one topic, write multiple articles and a dissertation in that field.
Companies won’t want to hire you for a general position because not many jobs require someone with PhD knowledge, so it’s cheaper to hire a normal graduate. You should expect and demand a larger salary with a PhD bit also expect to be applying for specialist positions.
But do you think I can be hired easily in the CSIR, dept of Science and Tech, NRF , SAASTA and the army? And do you think that it’s a bad idea to study for a PhD instead of having a degree and study part time for a PhD?
I don’t know. Try approaching those institutions to see if they will sponsor you to do a PhD and see what opportunities or requirements for PhD personnel they have. Part time while working full time is difficult unless it is part of your daily work.
Thank you, I’ll enquire from those organisations. So do you suggest that I should finish my PhD first before starting to work?
If you’re busy with your phd I advise first finishing it. Once you’re working full time you will find out very difficult to find time to finish your phd. Remember I don’t know your complete situation so am not in a position to make decisions for you.
Hi Gareth,
Im still in high school going to grade ten this year. I’m just planning ahead. Thank you very much for creating this helpful blog. I’ll just do a PhD in mechatronics not a degree.
Anyways, can I be in the aeronautics field even if I study mechatronics?
Hi ompha. If you’re only in grade 10 you shouldn’t even be thinking about PHD at this time. Do your degree, if you enjoy it and want to study further start your masters. If you want to and it has potential then upgrade it to a PHD, or first complete your masters and then start your PHD. A lot changes when you start studying. Don’t be in such a hurry to make this decision now.
Mechatronics is a good start into aeronautics.
I wanna have a PhD so that I can even research. I don’t think I will manage to study for a masters and PhD part time. That’s why I think it’s a good idea to stay at school and study for a PhD.
Hi Gareth.
Unisa offers a Electrical Engineering Diploma/Degree with a Mechatronics stream
More information here http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/index.asp?link=http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/qualifications/p_NDEENMEC.html
Thanks
Kimmy
Hey Kimmy
Thanks for the info! I had looked under mechanical and didn’t see anything. I’ve updated my previous reply accordingly. I also just noticed that I actually mentioned UNISA in my post, must have been confused :)
Gareth
Hi. What is the difference between the B-tech and BEng Mechatronic engineering degree? Will there be a difference between the salaries and responsibilities of two people with the two different degrees in the same field?
Hey Clement
In general the BTech degree involves far more practical work. NMMU offer it as an honours year once you’ve completed a DipEng (although not for mechatronics). A BEng degree is more theoretical, and covers a wider array of subjects including project management.
Depending on company structure, a person with a BEng will generally have more responsibilities than a BTech and likewise a slightly higher salary. It is however quite possible for someone with a BTech to out earn a BEng, after your first few years, far more is about what you know and how you work than your actual degree.
That being said neither degree limits you, and depending on what you’re wanting to do you can get anywhere with either degree.
I’m currently enrolled in TUT to start my mechatronics engineering this year and was wondering if I can still change to mechanical after 1 or 2 years of studying cause I hear its quite difficult and not very well known.
And which 1 is the safest bet between the two?
Hi Siphamandla
I don’t know the exact course outline used at TUT, but you should be able to switch at the end of your first or second year. You may however be required to catch up one or two subjects that you may have missed out.
I wouldn’t say the course is specifically more difficult than mechanical engineering. It does however appeal to different people, and personal strengths make getting through different courses easier or more difficult on a person to person basis.
As for not being very well known, this is changing more and more. The SA environment has already received hundreds of Mechatronic graduates, and as such you shouldn’t have any trouble when applying for jobs.
I think they’re both safe degrees, as I’ve mentioned previously neither degree limits you. If you enjoy programming and robotics go for the Mechatronics.
hi am doing my 5th semester at TUT and i really need someone to mentor me…am really struggling and the lectures here don’t know much about the course and they can’t direct me in the right direction. I’m struggling to get experiential training (p2) please help
Hi Thuly
I’m sorry to hear about your difficulties. With regards to tutors, try finding someone a year or two ahead of you, perhaps someone doing a postgrad course who would be able to help you. As far as experiential training is concerned, look around in your area for any companies you might want to work for and approach them. Even if companies advertise for Mechanical engineering or other discipline try applying.
Good luck
Hi . . . . . .am literally losin ma mind. Am having a difficult time choosing between electronic engineering at UP and mechatronics at UCT. . . Ah wanna if though electronic engineering has as much software as comp. Eng.
Ah am just facincted by “information super highway” and ah wont lie, SciFi movies just make me wanna do mechatronics, all that artificial intelligence with time portals, space, robots able t think for themselfs like Transformers, and others. .they just drive me insane. . .
And ah want to be broad enough and have ma own thing that ah specialise in u know. . . .am ah only goin t build circuit boards in electro. Eng. Or is there more of other elements from other disciplines that can equip me to be broad, because ah cant afford t go to UCT FOR MEChatronics. Eng. Ah live in Mafikeng, NW:) . . . . . . . Ah would die for mechatronics but . . .MONEY MAKEs TH WORLD GO ROUND HEY. . . . .
Ah’v passed with 5A’s n 2B’s. . . . .ah dont wy ahm strugglin so much wit a fundin or a bursary or somethin. . . . .and ahm running out of time. . . . .
Please respond ASAP
THANKS
Ok, I’m not sure if I understood everything you said, but I’ll try.
I’m going to make a few generalisations over courses here, but you should check out the exact structure of each course at the universities you’re looking at before making a decision.
Electronic Engineering has a combination of programming and electronics courses, but more emphasis on the electronics side of things. So computer engineering is going to have far more programming involved.
I’m glad to hear you’re so passionate about the internet and mechatronics, they’re truly great fields.
I don’t know exactly what you’re wanting to do, each engineering course is fairly broad covering a wide array of subjects within the field. Lots of electronic engineers won’t touch a circuit board after they’ve graduated. Any engineering degree opens you up to many different possibilities. That being said, with electronic engineering you generally won’t do any mechanical subjects, strength of materials or CAD work, however a mechatronics course would generally include those.
I’m sorry to hear you having funding problems. Congrats on your results, but you’ll often find companies don’t want to give bursaries on a person’s matric results, and rather wait to see how they’re doing after their first year of university. I only received a bursary in my final year of study.
I wish you all the best with your studies and bursary applications. If you have any further questions, you’re welcome to ask.
hi Gareth.
I have grown very interested in Mechatronic and have read through the blog, questions and responses. I like the way you respond as it gives the person grounds to make up their own mind at the end of the day.
I would like to know what colleges/FETs in KZN offer mechatronics (varsities are not within financial possibility). If the course is completed at an FET, what are the chances of employment? Assuming one does get a job, is it possible to then apply to a university and pursue a degree in mechatronics?
Hey Lethu
Thanks, I appreciate that.
Unfortunately I don’t know much about the FET programs. Chances of employment are always good with a proper qualification, but the specific job one could get would be dependent on the exact qualification the college offers, whether it’s a certificate, diploma or something else. As far as getting your degree after employment, it may be difficult to do this while working full time, but certain institutions will have after-hours courses you can take, CPUT offer a BTech 1 year program which runs from 17h00 on weekday evenings. It’s also possible that something could be possible through UNISA.
As far as colleges in KZN that offer Mechatronics, I had a quick list through this list at the colleges that had websites and scanned through their pages. On those that I looked at I couldn’t find any that offered Mechatronics specifically. I think it’d be best to try find out what colleges are nearby, and where you’d be able to attend, and then speak to the staff in the engineering departments to find out if they offer any kind of mechatronics course.
You can also possibly contact someone at CPUT who may be able to suggest institutions in your area. There is a contact page here.
All the best, and let me know if you find out anything more about Mechatronics at FET colleges.
Gareth
Hi gareth my name is muzi sithole.I’m really thankful your blog as it too imfomative,it helped me a lot,commenting on FET subject,there is an FET collage in germiston wich is called (ekurhuleni west collage)known as EWC,they offer machatronics there.please care to advice,is it possible for me to start studying with an FET since they offer a diploma in machatronics then after go study at unisa for my degree?thank u
Hi Muzi
I’m not 100% sure, your best would be to phone UNISA and check with them. However I’m sure they would let you study assuming you’ve completed diploma, as showing that you’ve studied previously means you’ll be able to cope at another level.
Good luck
which countries offer mechatronic engineering in africa
Hi Tendaishoko
Unfortunately I know pretty much nothing about qualifications in other South African countries. I know South Afroca’s universities are fairly well respected internationally, and you’ll find quite a few students from other African countries studying at South African universities.
If you find out anything about courses in other countries, I’d be interested to hear about them.
Good luck
Gareth
Hi Gareth
I’m currently doing third year Mechatronics at NMMU…the course is a killer but I am concerned that there are a few companies offering bursaries for it as compared to Electrical and Mechanical engineering . I’m worried that I might be doing all this hard work for nothing.
Hey Le2
I don’t really not what you’re asking. You say doing all this hard work for nothing, because there’re no bursaries available. I know in reality people often have to choose a course based on what they can get funding for, but ideally you want to do a course that you will enjoy. Something that interests you.
Currently there are very few bursaries directed purely at Mechatronics, but that doesn’t stop you from applying for bursaries aimed at Electronic and especially Mechanical engineering students. But you must look at the type of work you might be expected to do, and apply appropriately.
If you’re concerned about jobs, again you shouldn’t be worried. Mechatronics is really starting to develop itself as an independent field, and as mentioned previously, you’re free to apply for other types of Engineering’s jobs, but you must just research the field and determine whether you think the work will be interesting, and whether mechatronics is applicable to it.
I hope this has addressed some of your concerns. Good luck with the course, it is a tough one, but well worth it.
Gareth
Hi Gareth
My son is in Gr 12 this year and is very interested in studying Mechatronics at NMMU next year. He is an academic honours student (Maths, Physical Science, Life Science, Geography) but does not take IT or Technical drawings. We are told that IT and/or Technical drawings are merely a recommendation and not a necessity as CAD is used. Is this the case?
Regards, Cherise
Hi Cherise
As you mentioned neither of the two subjects are required, but both do help quite a bit. I didn’t do Technical Drawings at high-school and struggled a bit with one or two concepts at University, but the CAD section was no problem. I’m not sure of the current structure of the Drawings course, but even though CAD is becoming more prominent, lots of courses still like to provide a solid drawings background before progressing with CAD. But if he’s doing well academically he shouldn’t have any problems.
The same with IT. I did do IT at school and absolutely cruised through first year programming, but it is partially aimed at students who haven’t programmed before, but such people will have to work a little bit harder to get through.
So yes, both subjects are advised and do make first year easier, but they’re definitely not requirements, and many people take the courses every year without prior knowledge in the fields.
All the best
Gareth