What is Mechatronics and How to Have a Career in Metronics

Mechatronics is a combination of mechanics and electronics. It is a multi-disciplinary field that lies at the intersection of computer science, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Mechatronics is mainly used in manufacturing industries to make smart and intelligent systems or products. If you find mechanics, robotics, and production interesting or have a knack for creative problem-solving, pursuing a professional degree in mechatronics can help you advance your career. To understand what is mechatronics and how to build a career in this field, explore this article.

What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is an approach to creating product and manufacturing system design. It is a concept derived from Japanese origin, defined as the application of electronics and computer technology to control the motions of a mechanical system.
It applies various theories of electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering to develop products and systems with greater flexibility, ease of redesign, and ability to reprogram.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Mechatronics?

Advantages

• Manufacturing of cost-effective products with superior quality
• Optimal utilization of machinery and modern technology
• Self-correcting feedback system, which helps in increasing productivity of and reliability in mechatronics models

Disadvantages

• High set-up cost
• User needs to have advanced knowledge about different engineering fields
• It is expensive to incorporate a mechatronics approach to an existing or outdated system

Where is Mechatronics Used?

Mechatronics, a futuristic-sounding concept, is used –

• In cutting-edge technological innovations
• Across various industries to support multiple applications, from the production of consumer goods to industrial goods, including automotive and electronics

Here are some of the top areas where mechatronics is used:

• Robotic automation
• Home and building automation
• Computer-driven machinery
• Robotic surgery
• Transportation
• Different sensing and control system
• Machine vision and inspection
• Medical imaging system

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Mechatronics Professional?

Here are the top roles and responsibilities of a mechatronics professional:

• Identifying the areas where tasks can be automated or integrated
• Designing and developing modern and integrated devices for different industries
• Testing devices and processes used in an organisation or specific project
• Troubleshooting issues businesses face with current mechatronics systems and devices

How to Make a Career in Mechatronics?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a career in mechatronics

Step 1: Obtain a bachelor’s degree

You need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics or a similar field to kick-start your career and build a strong foundation.

Note: You can also specialise in Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field for building a fruitful career in mechatronics.

Typically, a bachelor’s course lasts for four to five years and provides students with the skills and fundamental knowledge required to build a successful career.

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a master’s programme in mechatronics. It would help you embrace the changes in the industry and keep you up to date with the advancements in the industry, enabling you to become an expert.

Step 2: Apply for Jobs and Gain Experience

Many employers seek candidates with a good understanding and practical knowledge of different mechatronics concepts. While preliminary education ensures you get the required knowledge, work experience provides you with the tools to handle complex business situations.
Therefore, looking for job opportunities after completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree is essential. You can start by interning in automation, factory production or related areas. It will provide you with valuable hands-on experience.

Step 3: Get Certified

Completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree is not the end of the road for you. You must keep upskilling yourself to stay ahead of the competition. One way to do that is to pursue short-term certification courses from time to time.

Emeritus India offers an array of certification courses in mechatronics for graduates across fields like Mechanical, Production, Aerospace, and others. We offer these programmes in collaboration with renowned universities.

We also offer courses in trending fields like data science, artificial intelligence, data analytics, information technology, and more.

What are the Career Prospects of Studying Mechatronics?

Individuals interested in breaking into the mechatronics field have much to be excited about because it is an emerging field in India.
It is gradually gaining momentum across different industries mainly because it integrates different branches of engineering like mechanical, electronic, and software to achieve automation.
Here we have compiled a list of typical jobs you can take up after a bachelor’s or master’s in mechatronics, along with average salaries.

Keep in mind: Although the article lists the average salary of common mechatronics job positions, different factors like the industry you work in, your experience level, and the country you work in can impact the pay.

Mechatronics Engineer

It is one of the popular career choices of mechatronics graduates. Many individuals who earn a mechatronics degree go on to work as Mechatronics Engineers because the career prospects for the job role are brighter than others.

A Mechatronics Engineer performs an array of duties in an organisation, from identifying mechanical, computer, or electronic technology-related problems to finding solutions to existing production processes and others.

A Mechatronics Engineer, on average, earns INR 3,12,000 per annum in India. (Source)

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer performs various tasks related to robotics in an organisation. Most often, they are responsible for designing, building, and testing robotic systems. In addition, they take care of the maintenance, research, and development of mechanical systems.

A Robotics Engineer, on average, earns INR 4,48,000 annually in India. (Source)

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineers work toward discovering, implementing, and maintaining automated workflow within the organisation. To fulfil their duties in a firm, they deploy numerous modern technologies, making the daily business process agile and convenient. They use technology to reduce human effort and improve efficiency in the organisation.

An Automation Engineer, on average, earns INR 5,03,000 annually in India. (Source)

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers work on the automated system of different modern machines. They perform varied tasks depending on the industry they operate in and the position they hold.

Mechanical Engineers often analyse existing mechanical systems to make them more efficient and design new ones.

A Mechanical Engineer, on average, earns INR 3,66,000 per annum in India. (Source)

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer’s primary responsibility is to research, design, develop, build, and implement all components of an electrical device. They can take up jobs in manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, defence, finance, medicine, and others.

Like Mechanical Engineers, they support robotics or mechatronic systems operating in an organisation.

An Electrical Engineer earns INR 3,80,000 per annum as an average base salary in India. (Source)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What careers can you pursue after earning a mechatronics degree?

You can choose any of the following career options depending on your area of interest:

• Automotive Engineer
• Control System Engineer
• Data Logging Engineer
• Instrumentation Engineer
• Project Engineer
• System Engineer
• Service Engineer

What skills does a mechatronics specialist need?

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field. Therefore, you need a broad skill set to build a successful career. It should be inclusive of:

• Problem-solving skills
• Team management skills
• Creative thinking skills
• Good communication skills
• Computer-aided design skills

Which is the best mechatronics course in India?

Many renowned Indian institutes offer various comprehensive courses in Mechatronics. You can choose a course that helps you meet the industry’s needs and equips you with advanced skills and knowledge about manufacturing technologies.