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
I’m in gr.11 and interested in mechatronics.Would you advise me to learn a specific programming language before my first year? And if you would recommend it , which language ? I do not have IT as a school subject.
Thanks
It doesn’t really matter which language you learn, they are all useful and will help when you get to university. C is probably the most common language currently taught during mechatronics courses, and is used often in programming microcontrollers too. There ought to be a lot of tutorials available online.
sir i have completed my graduation in Mech. engg. now my interview for PG in Mechatronics engg. can you help me what kind of interview question need to prepare for this. pls pls help.
Hey there Mohan
Is PG post-graduate? If yes then you must just know the area of research you want to go into, before the time make sure you read up on the department you are applying to, the lecturers and type of work they are doing, but most importantly what you want to do.
Hope that helps>
Gareth
hi
i am a Zimbabwean who graduated with a B.Eng Hons in Mechatronics Engineering from a Zimbabwean University in 2011.I wanted to know if i have any chances of getting employment as a Mechatronics Engineering Graduate in South Africa and how do i go about it.My degree was assessed by the South African Qualifications Assessment Authority and i was given an NQF level 8 SAQA certificate(this is the south african equivalent of my qualifications which i attained from Zimbabwe)
Regards
Collin
Hi Collin
I don’t think you’ll have any issues applying with that degree for job’s in South Africa. I’d imagine the biggest hassle will be getting a working Visa. Local companies shouldn’t have any issue recognising your degree.
All the best
Gareth
Hello Gareth,
Thank you very much for writing this blog post, I personally found it very informative and helpful. I am currently in grade 11 and I would like to study Mechatronics, hopefully abroad… Uhm I would just like to know the difference between bEng and bScEng. The I am interested in Mechatronics because I would like to work in design and development, what are the chances of getting employed in that particular field as opposed to doing strictly mechanical or electrical work? Do you by any chance know which 10 universities are regarded the best in this field?
Hi Thapelo
There is no real difference between the BSc Eng and BEng degrees, they are viewed equally by both ECSA and in practice. It just depends where you study what you will get.
Design and development is very possible in, is there a specific area you want to focus on? But you needn’t have to worry about being stuck in a mechanical or electrical position, there are mechatronic posts available, it’s all also a very theoretical definition, and in practice there is a lot of overlapping.
As for top 10 universities in the world, I wouldn’t know where to start, see what your options are, or areas are that you would like to study, and then look for universities in that area and how they are regarded. The local universities are also quite well respected, even on an international level.
Good luck.
Gareth
hi i’m Ralu. enjoyed all the info i got from you in this site, thanks much. please i’m presently pursuing admission for masters in mechatronics engineering in NMMU. i have a B.Eng in electrical/electronics engineering and my fear is that i am studying a broader course for my masters instead of narrowing down and specialising in a feild from my undergraduate study. actually planned to go onto instrumentation and control, but nmmu doesnt offer the course.so do u think its a wise decision to study mechatronics in post graduate after studying elect/elect as an undergraduate
Hey Ralu
Just because you’re switching your major as such, it doesn’t mean you can’t still specialise in the area that interests you. Mechatronics is so broad that as long as you find a project/supervisor that allows you to focus on what you want to work on, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got an MEng in E&E or Mechatronics.
Good luck.
your site is really educating and sort of an eye opner. Got admitted in rhine waal university germany.
please can you say more on the branches of mechatronics. secondly you say they are not into car fixing or computer fixing. so what are the into. i mean what the relky do. And how tough is the mathematical and physics aspect of it in first year,because i did a management technology course in my first degree.
One doesn’t go and study mechatronic engineering and then become a mechanic, or a computer technician. If you’re studying engineering you should be more interested in how and why these things are working, and be interested in the design. You need to know these things so you can apply them to other areas. But to ask what one really does is difficult. You must decide what you want to do, and you’ll be able to use some of your knowledge of mechatronics to get you there.
I didn’t know what I was going to be doing, but liked the course description and found work. I’m not doing anything like what I expected to be doing when I started studying, but the work is interesting and I have a better idea of what I want to study.
I don’t know what the course content is like at German university, but it’ll be at a noticeably higher standard than you’d experience at school. But having already studied, you should be able to cope fine.
Hope this helps.
thank you for tge explanation. please can you explain more about the application of mechatronic in the aerospace industry, automotive industry, and in the medical field
Umm… Big task there.
Aerospace and Automotive both have very similar kinds of applications. A lot of mechatronics relates to sensors and actuators. So with your car or aeroplane, the systems are constantly monitoring sensors with information about your speed, direction, engine monitoring etc. And controllers are programmed to monitor and interpret this data, and then by a series of different actuators the system is able to cotnrol these variables in a way which allows for the best running of the engine or vehicle.
ABS or ESP is something often referred to in the motor industry, which monitors wheel and actual speeds of the car, along with orientation to ensure effective braking and prevent spinning.
Planes have complicated autopilot systems which monitor hundreds of variables and control tens of actuators to give a comfortable and safe ride to passengers.
Automotive also includes the automation industry, with robotic arms, various joining technologies, conveyor belts and a hoard of sensors and motors and devices which allow for the fast and quality mass production of parts.
Biomedical includes the development of special prosthetics with movement capabilities. Special hardware developed to aid in very sensitive surgeries and all manner of tools and sensory equipment which gives people a better standard of living.
Hey! I’m currently a matric learner and Your blog is super helpful and its really helped me decide on doing Mechatronics engineeering. I was just wondering tho if its possible to branch out from Mechatronics to say Biomechatronics or Biomedical Engineering as i would love to do an engineering course with a slight focus on biology and the human body. I really enjoy learning about Maths Physics and Biology and would really love to pursue a career that mixes all 3 of these fields. I heard that at UCT with their Undergrad Mechatronics degree offer u to specialise in another field such Biomed Engineering in ur 4th final year yet im not completely certain if this is true. Also is possible to switch between Engineering courses such as Mechatronic nd Chem Eng in 1st year? And lastly u said knowledge of some programming in high school is useful and that the most commonly used programming language used is C, but is C similiar to C++?
Hey Sipho
I’m glad you found the blog. One definitely can branch from Mechatronics into a Biomedical direction, doing it during undergrad can be a bit challenging though if you’re wanting to actually take Biology courses. At Stellenbosch for instance, the BERG (Biomedical Engineering Research Group) offers many 4th year skripsie topics in the Biomedical field for final year engineers. So it’s a great way to start specialising and you’ll obviously research relevant biological topics during the project, but you won’t have the opportunity to necessarily study a full course on Biology.
If you were to continue on to masters however this would open other doors and more flexibility to study what you want.
At Stellenbosch you first year is identical regardless of which engineering you study, so you are free to switch to any course. It gets more difficult the further you study, but quite a few 2nd year subjects are also shared amongst the different subsets. At UCT, while I believe first year differs amongst the different subsets, I’m sure you’d still be able to change after your first year, you may just be required to catch up one or two subjects along the way.
With regards to C and C++, I haven’t had any experience with C++, but you can have a look at these two links for some other people’s opinion. A quick overview seems like they definitely do differ, or haev different purposes, but many of the things you do are similar. Also a knowledge of any programming language is advantageous, it’s more the way of thinking and problem solving that is used across the board than the actual commands.
All the best.
hi! really enjoyed reading your blog and your thoughts on mechatronics. I am actually doing my phd dissertation on mechatronics in SA and will definitely be using some of your concerns/ viewpoints…would it be possible for us to do an interview? please email me, I think your perspective could really be helpful. thanks
Hey Quraisha
Have sent you an email.
Gareth
Hey Gareth,
This is a super cool blog you have here,exactly what I needed at this time.
I’m Ben, studying at Stellies,Mechatronics 2nd year. Yep, I’m following ur footsteps bra :)
okay, so here’s me: I’ve recently thot of changin to mechanical because of of two reasons:
firstly, because of some people saying mechanical or electrical guys or others have more chances of getting a job in S.A industry after their degrees because they are more ‘specialised’ than us who cover a broader perspective of things i.e mechanical and electronic stuff. i dont knw, but its as if i have to go to post grad afterwards to get a more focused area, so i can get a good job. I knw its kinda silly, but i just need u to bust this myth,haha.
Well, the more serious reason why i thought about changing to mechanical is that i really want, or rather, need to graduate after 4 years, not taking an extra year for sum failed module, or skrypsie or sumthin.
2nd year now is already very demanding, but i cant say mechanical guys are having it easier coz we are attending same classes. my concern is fourth year coz we hav to do TWO designs together with the main project(correct me if im wrong),while the others hav only one design. and from what i hear,one design is enough to knock one out, ( 2 friends in E&E skipped design E last year to do it now 4th yr coz it was jst too much).
So my logical thought is that mechanical is less demanding than mechatronics,especially the final year, and so they stand a much higher chance of graduating on time than us. I’m not a cum laude type of student, but cant say i’m struggling either, kinda average i ges,or slightly above, i dnt knw haha,so i’m sure u’ll understand my concern. I knw i shud probably consult the HOD, but i kinda think u can giv me sum matie student perspective, havin walked this road, u knw.
my real passion is mechatronics, the whole idea of industrial robotics and automation makes me tick, but then again i dont mind changing my course if i have to.
oh one more thing, what specific tips can u throw @ me for making it through, and perhaps which modules should i watch out ?
Hey Ben,
Quite a long post, I’ll see if I answer everything, let me know if I missed something.
Relating to jobs: I don’t really see this as an issue. Mechatronics has been round for quite a while and has seen industry acceptance. As I’ve mentioned I don’t know of any of my friends who struggles to find work, and once you have an engineering degree it’s up to you the kind of work you want to do, your degree doesn’t define this completely. Obviously for certain posts mechanical/electronic will be given preference as they’ve done subjects which you may not have, but not necessarily. Many people focus with a job, as opposed to studying post-grad, and it can be just as effective. Definitely not a necessity for a Mechatronic Student.
Relating to Automation industry: You don’t have to have studied mechatronics to get into this industry. There are lots of opportunities for both mech and elec engineers too. At stellenbosch the only real automation subject you do is Mechatronics in 4th year, and the mech guys do that too. The electronics subjects do give you a better understanding of how it all works, but that’s about it.
I’m not going to start a discussion on which course is more difficult. 4th year 1st semester is specifically difficult for Mechatronics students, because as you mentioned, you have both the Mechatrnonics Group Work Project, and the E-Design project. And you have to keep your skripsie at the back of your mind too. This is doable, lots of people get it right every year. That being said.
I’ve never been as busy as I was in 4th year. Both those projects take a lot of time. I mean a lot. I spent more hours in those two labs combined than I have in classrooms, and a lot of that time was over weekends, and late into the night. I wasn’t a Cum student either, I cummed a subject every now and then, but managed to get through all my subjects first time, with the odd her thrown in for good measure. But in 4th year I worked hard. Mechatronics is a bit iffy, cause there’re 5 of you or so studying different disciplines that need to find time to work together. The project can be separated quite nicely to get different people to do different jobs though, and is the less taxing of the two projects.
E-Design was my favourite subject in my 4 years at Stellenbosch, and my marks for it reflected this. It was the type of stuff I’d always wanted to do and half the reason I chose Mechatronics over straight Mechanical. It is very very time consuming. Find yourself a good partner, someone you know will also work hard on the project. Take time to understand what’s going on. Make sure at least one of you is a strong programmer, preferably both. It really is a great subject and can be a lot of fun.
Like I said though, it is easily achievable, if you’re willing to put the time in. I spent half my easter weekend in the Mecahtronics lab, and so many Sundays in the Electronics 4th floor lab, it’s crazy, but if you put the time in, you can get it right. I don’t want to scare you off though. You’ll always find time to have fun and take a break.
Ultimately the choice is obviously yours, long term it may not make that much of a difference, but I knew that the courses I wanted to take lay more on the Electronic side, and that’s why I chose Mechatronics. As I mentioned, feel free to ask any other questions, or if I missed something, otherwise just send me an email and I’ll get back to you.
Good luck, and enjoy your time in Stellies, I’ve been out just over a year and miss it like crazy, it really is a great place to study.
Hi Gareth
I’m in matric and I’m planning on doing mechatronics either at NMMU or UCT next year. Do you have any idea which of the two offers a better degree or is considered better by industry?
Thanks
Devin
Hey Devin
Why not Stellenbosch? :) Umm… I don’t like to say one is better than the other. UCT in general probably has a better reputation as a university, not specific to their Mechatronics course. Either way you’re going to end up with the same degree, both are tough courses that are going to challenge you. It might be worth looking through both university’s course structure to see if one has more subjects that appeal to you. I don’t think you’d ever be turned down for a job because you went to one university over the other.
There are also other factors to going to a university besides academic reputation. you’re going to be living there for 4 years, so have a look at campuses, residences etc. depending on what you’re wanting to be doing.
Good luck.