Mechatronics is the branch of engineering that deals with the study of both mechanics and electronics. It is one of the streams which has high scope in various industrial applications. It is the integration of robotics and electromechanical engineering. Electromechanical systems, robotics, and control systems come understudy of mechatronics. Mechatronics was introduced in the intention of the growth in the automation and manufacturing industry.

The word Mechatronics was introduced by a Japanese-English engineer Tetsuro Mori who used to work in Yaskawa Electric Corporation. The word was initially registered as a trademark of the company in 1971, and later it was released to be used publicly. Mechatronics involves the study of telecommunications and product engineering as well. It can also be called as modern mechanical engineering.

The study of mechatronics was established in 1995 so that a deep understanding of electronics, control systems, mathematical modeling, and high tech nanotechnology field could be combined together. Some examples of mechatronics are DVD player, Television, CD, cassettes, music system, etc. These are the products of mechanics but cannot function without the integral design of computer control and electrical systems.

Few important points to remember in Mechatronics:

• Mechatronics was introduced in 1995 to combine the study of electronics, control systems, mathematical modeling, high tech nanotechnology field.
• The word Mechatronics was introduced by Japanese English engineer in 1971.
• Mechatronics was found to grow the industry of automation and manufacturing
• It involves the study of both mechanics and engineering.
• It is the integration of robotics and electromechanical engineering.

Mechatronics engineering is tougher than other courses of engineering as it covers the study of mechanics, electrical, automation, robotics, etc. A mechatronics engineer does have a lot of opportunities to develop smart machines as per evolvement. One can learn to work in all aspects of technology in mechatronics engineering, like designing to manufacturing.

A mechatronics engineer can involve himself in developing products, testing, and installing new equipment. They can manage the mechanical and electrical systems. They can assist in designing robotics equipment. They can also assist project engineers in the development of various projects. They can get different designations in mechatronics engineering. Few are listed below:

• Hardware Architect
• Mechatronic Engineer
• Principal Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Testing Engineer
• Program Manager, etc.

Since the subject itself is complex, you have to work harder to get yourself placed in a reputed firm with a good package. Better marks and performance in overall academic duration will only help you out to make a better career. The salary package is also based on the designation.

The average salary for a mechatronics engineer at entry-level starts from 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs. Senior-level mechatronics engineers may get 10 to 12 lakhs per annum or maybe more according to experience.

The duration to complete the course in mechatronics engineering is four years. To take admission to any engineering colleges, you must have a high school certificate and qualify the national engineering entrance examination. Few colleges for mechatronics engineering that are good in terms of study and placement are given below as per research.

• VIT University, Chennai
• College of Engineering, Guindy
• Indian Institute of Technology, Patna
• Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
• Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
• Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai, etc.

To get into these prestigious colleges and universities, you must opt for maths and physics in high school and must have strong knowledge of it. Besides schooling, mot students join a coaching institute to get deeper guidance from their mentors. You must participate in national levels examinations like JEE MAIN, GATE, BITSAT, VITEEE, MET, etc. Few books that will help you to clear these examinations are:

• Problems in Physical Chemistry
• Problems in General Physics
• Basic Laws of Electromagnetism
• Differential Calculus for beginners
• Integral Calculus for beginners

As the course is tougher, the syllabus gets too complex in mechatronics. Almost all the colleges cover the same syllabus as it includes mechanical, electrical electronics, robotics, etc. Apart from the theoretical part, the syllabus includes practical works, laboratory works, group works, and presentation. Few course books in mechatronics engineering are:

• Mechatronics for the Evil Genius
• Mechatronics Handbook
• Mechatronics System Design
• Robotics and mechatronics for agriculture
• Control And Mechatronics

Syllabus attachment

As discussed earlier, mechatronics includes the study of both mechanical and electrical. Mechatronics is developed for the industry as demand was increasing for engineers to innovate new ideas and technology. It allows mechatronics engineers to design and manufacture products by using their skills in programming, computers, industrial sensors, micro-controllers, etc. 

The mechatronics system is a combination of electrical, mechanics, computer science, and robotics. It is a branch of engineering. There are four components of the mechatronic system, which are controllers, actuators, sensors, and mechanical components. Few applications of mechatronics system are;

• Servo-Machines
• Machine Vision
• Building Automation
• Expert Systems
• Consumer products
• Computer-aided design
• Structural dynamics system, etc.

In mechatronics, you must study theoretical subjects as well as practical ones. You need to choose one major subject each year, and the rest will be basic. As mechatronics is a wild field, four years feel less to grasp enough knowledge and understanding. Some subjects in mechatronics engineering are:

• Applied Physics/Chemistry
• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Programming
• Mathematics
• Thermo-Fluids
• Mechanics of Machines
• Dynamics and Vibration, etc.

Mechatronics engineering is a combination of various engineering. So the scope of mechatronics is very promising. You should be strong enough in Maths and Physics if you are thinking of making a career in it. The aspect of mechatronics is wide field as it is applicable in various fields like aerospace engineering, manufacturing units, biomedical engineering like robotics and biomedical instruments, machine learning, sensor networks, embedded systems, etc. 

In India, mechatronics engineering came into recognition since 2004. After that, the scope has been rising every year according to the advancement of technology and demand of engineers. There has been a 5% growth rate in employment in mechatronics engineering in comparison to other branches of engineering. Due to various combinations of subjects, you can work in various fields. But as it is new to India, you only have the option of working in private sectors as there are no government jobs available in mechatronics yet. Few multi-national companies that hire mechatronics engineers are:

• ABB
• Siemens
• Honeywell Automation
• FESTO
• Rockwell Automation
• Yasaka Motoman, etc

Few colleges have been listed above where you can get admission for mechatronics. First, you need to complete the undergraduate course that is getting a B.Tech degree. You must fulfill the criteria to get into any of the colleges or universities. The criteria are:

• You must have a high school certificate from recognized schools/universities with an aggregate of minimum 50%
• You must have valid marks in any of the National Level examinations like JEE MAINS, VITEEE, BITSAT, etc.
• Submitting the application form of college before the deadline.

Discussing the M.tech, one can choose to complete according to his/her wish. You can avail of good jobs even after getting a B.Tech degree. But mechatronics is a vast field. So gaining more knowledge will be fruitful for a good career. If you are looking to be a professor, then getting a Mtech degree is a must. After pursuing M.Tech, you can choose to do research and work in labs. 

• You can get admission after completing a Btech degree in recognized college/universities.
• Likewise, you need the college application form before the deadline with the necessary documents required.

We shall discuss robotics and mechatronics now. Robotics is a high-level study in the mechatronics field. Robotics and Mechatronics deal with the development of robotic actuators, physical system, intelligent control, and embedded system. It focuses on robotics mainly. But there are some differences between them discussed below:

Robotics	Mechatronics
Inputs are acquired	Inputs are provided
It is a part of mechatronics engineering	The word came from combining mechanical and electronics.
It is autonomous	It is automatic

As we know, Mechatronics is new to India and still needs more awareness of the subject. You can opt for abroad studies for getting a degree. There are many European countries like Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, etc. Other countries like Canada, Australia, the USA, etc are also considered good. But in terms of Mechatronics engineering Germany is considered to be best.

The level of education has been improved a lot due to a strong economy. You can get a comfortable living standard and secured as well. Few top universities to choose for engineering are:

• Magderburg University
• RWTG Aachen
• TU Braunschweig
• BTU Cottbus- Senffenberg
• TU Clausthal, etc

Though Mechatronics Engineering is a complex field, there are advantages in making a career in it. It is an integrated course with a various portion of engineering courses. Few advantages are discussed below:

• You will find the availability of profitable areas of specialization in robotics, nanotechnology, and biomechatronics.
• It is new in India and is less saturated, so getting a degree will help you stand out from the crowd.
• One can make good career growth and start deal in the innovative business of robots.

Apart from getting B.Tech and M.Tech Degree you can choose to do advanced courses in mechatronics engineering like getting a Diploma in Mechatronics. Diploma in Mechatronics is of 3 years a long duration. The minimum eligibility to pursue the course is passing 10th examination with 55% marks. After diploma there are few career options listed below:

• Service Engineer
• Project Associate
• Sales Engineer
• Machine Assembler, etc.

Apart from this, you can become a health consultant, lectures in training institutes, setting up manufacturing units, etc.

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