You are here: Robotics/Introduction
Robotics probably isn’t a course that you’ll take in first year. But this section will go over the fundamentals and introduce some of the many applications of robotics. There will most definitely be robotics clubs to join even if robotics courses aren’t available immediately, and you can explore the possibility of specializing in this engineering ‘field of the future’. It is a fascinating subject, and a great time to explore it.
Robots is closely related to Mechatronics. In University, you’ll often see these two subjects grouped together. You may be able to specialize in Robotics/Mechatronics. Robotics could be defined as a subject of Mechatronics – a robot is definitely an application of mechatronics, but a mechatronic system isn’t necessarily a robot. So mechatronics is a broader subject.
Mechatronics is a combination of the words ‘mechanical’ and ‘electrical’, which should give you a good idea of what this subject is about. It is an integrative discipline, as it combines concepts from mechanics, electronics, and software/computer engineering. Through the combination of these three classical fields, mechatronics was born. Some definitions define it even broader, including systems engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering, as well as the three previously listed. Indeed, this definition is currently more accurate as the field has grown; initially, it was focused on electrical and mechanical, which is why it is a combination of those two words.
You can find applications of mechatronics engineering almost everywhere, and it is becoming more and more prevalent. A robot is a prime example of mechatronics. Automobiles are full of mechatronics systems, such as anti-locking brakes or traction control. Airplanes utilize mechatronics heavily – especially larger planes with fly-by-wire systems, where the pilot inputs a command into an electronic interface, and a computer instructs different actuators to perform actions – such as increasing throttle or deploying the land gear. Automation systems, such as those found in a factory or industrial setting, are also applications of mechatronics.
You are here: Robotics/Introduction
the first year engineer 