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
DUDE!!! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I was also thinking of going to Stellenbosch but I heard that the University of Witwatersrand is also a top candidate for best engineering university. Where do you think would be better? I’m situated in CPT so I am more inclined to go to Stellenbosch.
Hey Luke
Glad you found this helpful, I’m going to be biased and tell you to totally go to Stellenbosch :P but really it’s up to you. I’m originally from Somerset West, got into residence in Stellies and had an absolute blast, while I could still go home for a weekend whenever I felt like it. That being said it’s all what you make of it, and there’ll be guys from Wits with exactly the same attitude. As you mention both varsities have top Engineering courses, do you know which course you want to do specifically? Mechatronics isn’t offered at Wits as far as I know, they do however offer Aeronatutics, something Stellenbosch doesn’t.
Good luck!
Hate repeating the line but you blog is indeed helpful
now what I would love to know is what are the percentages for job demand in South Africa and abroad for Mechatronics?
What are the first year dropout rates in SA?
How many mechatronics are currentely employed in South Africa?
Hi Billy
Glad you found it, you’ve asked some very difficult questions, but I’ll see what I can do to explain/answer them.
What do you mean by percentage job demand? How many Mechatronics jobs are available as a percentage of all available jobs? I really couldn’t say. A very small percentage, especially in SA, where majority of the workforce are employed in unskilled or semi-skilled jobs. Abroad it might be slightly higher, but still not particularly high. That being said, the market isn’t saturated with mechatronic engineers. All of the people I know who studied with me are currently employed, and didn’t have to search too long before finding a job. I believe it is the same overseas.
Dropout rates for first year engineering students enrolled in a degree course are fairly high. Unfortunately I don’t have exact figures, but from what I recall of my time at varsity, I think it’s about 30%. Possibly higher. Many may switch to a different course.
Again, difficult to say. Mechatronics is still a relatively new field, and in SA there is no governing body specifically for mechatronic engineers. Some may join the South African Institute of Mechanical Engineers (SAIME) and many more will also be members of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). However it is in no way a requirement to be associated with eiether of these organisations, you can however try approaching them for more solid stats.
There were about 40 Mechatronic Engineers who qualified with me, and say 50 last year at Stellenbosch. Assuming 150 graduated before us, similar numbers at UCT, a figure of 50 from NMMU and 50 from UNISA. That gives us a total of roughly 580 recognised mechatronic engineers. They can however be employed in a variety of different industries. And these are only Bachelor of Engineering Graduates, it completely ignores those who obtained BTechs and national diplomas.
I hope this helps to some degree.
Hi Gareth,
I stumbled onto your blog by accident, but was quite pleased with what I read. I’ve wanted to get into Mechatronics since my early school days, however I botched my Matric finals (in 2007) and have been forced to search for alternate methods to get where I want to be.
I’d like to say thank you very much for the blog as it’s a very nice description and I’ll be pointing people to this site in future whenever they ask me to define Mechatronics.
Hey Alex
Hope you manage to find something you enjoy.
All the best
Gareth
hello Gareth
im currently in matric 2013 and am confused about which engineering to choose. im good at maths and physics but im more of a maths person. how is the salary of mechatronic engineers compared to other engineers? how long will it take to get the degree and to start working? what is a general starting salary? would u advise studying at uct or stellenbosch? are there bursaries available for mechatronics? i would really appreciate your help.
Hey there
Salary is very dependent on the location and type of business you go to work for. The average salary however won’t vary much between the various disciplines.
All standard BEng/BSCeng degrees in SA are 4 years long, at which point you can go straight into a job, or continue with a Masters.
General starting salary will be 15k+ gross. I’m very biased towards Stellenbosch, having spent an amazing four years there. That being said they are both great universities with very respected engineering faculties, and the decision would most likely be more a personal reason.
Bursaries are available for mechatronic engineering, however it’s advised to also look for bursaries aimed at mechanical or electronic engineering as they are more common, and depending on the specific work, are often also applicable to mechatronic engineering.
Good luck.
Hi GG,
Greetings!!
My son is doing B.Tech in Mechatronics from university of petroleum and energy studies, dehradun, India.
On May 20th he has to start his 6-8 week training. Can you suggest where he can do so. He has already developed some project on robots.
I can put him across world for training.
Early guidance will be highly appreciated.
With regards,
Anshu
Skype I’d anshu1965
00 91 9814301541
Hi there Anshu
What languages does your son speak? Is he more interested in the automation side of things with robots than he is in the petroleum and energy side of things?
Regards
Gareth
I’m busy studying Engineering Related design in Sedibeng college and I’m interested in furthering my studies an study Mechatronics in university, so can i qualify ?
Are you planning on first finishing your current studies?
Generally universities are very willing to accept ‘senior’ students. If you finish your current course you should have no problem being accepted into a degree course at other universities. If you haven’t finished yet, they will still quite likely consider your application and you’ll be more likely to be accepted than if you had applied straight out of high school.
HI there gareth I’m a matriculant and im 18 yrs old .i saw your blog and I have a bit of a problem, ive recently searched about mechatronic and i’m intrested becouse i love working with electronics its been in my vains…but the problem is I live in cpt but i dont know what are the requirements of mechatronics and I’m afraid coz i suck in physics nd I also suck @ pure maths nd i dont want to do anything else besides mechatronics or electrical engineer.I dont know where to study or whre to get a bussry so can you tell me where I hould go nd apply @ and what are the requirements thanx…
Hey Sandla,
It’s great to hear of people who are so passionate about what they study, I really hope you manage to sort something out.
If you’re specifically wanting to get a BEng degree you’re going to have to go to UCT or Stellenbosch (locally), their entry requirements are fairly high, especially for maths, but they change from year to year, so you’d have to visit their websites specifically to check.
It may be more practical to apply to CPUT or one of the other local colleges, where the focus is less on theory. They offer great courses with lots of practical application.
As for bursaries, I’m not sure who offers bursaries for diploma courses. In general companies look quite heavily at academic results, but will always take other extra-curricular activities into account.
Good luck.
Hai gareth i saw an hand book of programmes offered at the NMMU and it is recommended that i must have done engineering graphic and/ or information technology bt my school doesnt offer these subjects. Will i still be accepted if i meet the minimum of 38 point that are needed or is it a dream goodby
Hey Lucky
Although IT and Drawings are advised they are not required to be accepted to the course. As long as you meet the other requirements you should get in. During your first year you will do a Drawings and a programming course which will teach you from the basics, but they go through the work fairly quickly, and previous experience does help.
It is quite possible to pass though without having taken these subjects at school, it just means you’ll need to spend a bit more time on those subjects.
Good luck.
Hi,
I would just like to know what does the field of mechatronics entails and job prospectives are there?
Hey Tendani, as far as what the field entails, I can’t expand more than what I’ve done above, I can give specifics about indiviual branches, but that’s about it.
As far as job prospectives go they are pretty good. As mentioned I don’t know of anyone who studied with me who couldn’t find work straight after graduating, and the work environment is quite receptive to mechatronic engineers, especially in the automation field.
hy gareth
I am currently a second year mechatronic student nmmu ..bt i would like to change and do my third year at stellenbosch or u c t ..i wondering f you know hw the exemption thingie works between the three universities…
Hey Tendani
You’d have to speak directly to the departments at each university to see what you could be granted. You’d most likely be able to get many of them off, but, for example, at Stellenbosch we took Chemistry in our first year which most universities don’t, so you may be required to do that. But yeah, contact the universities, they’ll be able to give you solid information.
Great to find a fellow South African who is into Mechatronics and blog about it. I am more into robotics and I am looking to get into contact with more South Africans in the field.
I am specifically looking for engineering students who are interested in ROBOTICS – there is an international competition taking place in India and they would really like to partner with a university in South Africa to send a team there.
Please contact me as soon as you can
Hey Jurie
I’ll send you an email.
Gareth
Hi there
Gareth, great article. I just finished my mechatronic engineering degree last year and enjoyed every moment of it.
I’m not sure if you guys gave heard about RoboRace SA. Myself and a couple of friends started this robotics competition last year based. Check out our website http://www.roborace.co.za would be great to hear what you guys think about it.
Jurie, would it be possible to get more details about the Indian competition? I’m quite sure the participants from RoboRae SA 2012 would be very interested.
Look forward to hearing from you guys.
Mohamed
Hey Mohamed
Thanks, I’ll have a look. If you don’t mind I’ll forward your details to Jurie to ensure he gets them.
All the best.
Gareth
Goodday
jurie
Im doing my second year in UCT studying Mechatronics
I would like to know more about the competition.
Regards
Vuyani