Top Universities for Mechatronics in UK – Part 1

In 1969, the term “mechatronics” was coined when engineers realised that there was a synergy between electrical and mechanical systems. It takes an interdisciplinary approach in solving the problems faced by the industry. A mechatronic engineer is capable of creating systems by integrating mechanical and electrical systems by embedding them with coding and control systems.  If you are interested in learning mechatronics in UK, here are some handpicked universities for you.

 

Glasgow University:

Course offered: MSc Mechatronics

This program is an integrate of several engineering subjects such as mechanical, control engineering, electrical and electronic engineering. You will learn how to use design and analyse using various techniques in these subjects. With these specific skills, you will be able to perform synthesis and analysis on mechatronic systems. The school of Engineering at Glasgow University has several industrial contributors like James Watt, Babcock, Howdens and Terex. Some of the research areas the university is involved in include:

• Aerospace Sciences
• Applied Photonics 
• Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering 
• Sensor & Imaging Systems
• Systems Power & Energy

 

Southampton University:

Course offered: MSc Mechatronics (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)

The Electro-Mechanical Engineering Research Group at the university guides the Mechatronics programme and aids the learners in understanding how vital the control systems are in mechatronic systems. The research projects strongly focus on areas such as control systems, instrumentation, sensors, energy conversion and microfluids. The core modules of the programme include mechanical, electrical and control engineering. The learners can choose to specialise in modules such as robotics and automotive propulsion. Some of the research units at the university include:

• Monitoring of Engineered and Natural Systems Using Sensors (MENSUS)
• Autonomous Systems
• Zepler Institute
• Computationally Intensive Imaging

 

University of Leeds:

Course offered: Mechatronics and Robotics MSc

This programme will help you build the skills needed in the field of manufacturing and automation of mechatronic systems. The core modules focus on the application of mechatronics and robotics in the industry while the optional modules will allow you to specialise in the area of your interest. As a part of this programme, you will be working on projects such as sensing systems, surgical robots, robot swarms etc. that will help you build your research skills. There are several labs and specialist facilities where you can work on your research projects:

• ABB robotic manufacturing cell
• The Embedded Systems Lab
• The Keysight Technologies Communications Lab
• The Intelligent Robotics Lab
• The National Instruments LabVIEW Academy
• Institute of Design, Robotics and Optimisation
• Robotics at Leeds

 

Newcastle University:

Course offered: Mechatronics MSc

This program will help you develop skills required by the modern manufacturing technologies. The major themes you will be focussing on are mechatronics, robotics, embedded systems, industrial automation, instrumentation and drives. The course is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) which marks the programme’s quality. Having an accredited degree gives you an upper hand when it comes to employment since some recruiters prefer candidates with accredited degrees. Some of the facilities at the university for mechatronics course include:

• X-ray diffraction
• Robotics
• Micro-electromechanical systems

 

University of Bath:

Course offered: Mechatronics MSc

The course is developed by the university with collaboration with its industrial partners to ensure that the students develop the relevant skillset to improve the performance and efficiency of mechatronic systems. It includes applying the principles of mechatronics such as AI, modern control and computer engineering to modern devices. The University houses a range of facilities such as:

• Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems– IAAPS
• Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment– I-SEE
• Centre for Power Transmission & Motion Control
• Powertrain & Vehicle Research Centre
• Advanced Design & Manufacturing

 

Conclusion:

Given that they have a wide range of skills ranging from thermodynamics to programming languages, mechatronic engineers are very much demanded by the industry. As an emerging area of employment, a lot of sectors depend on mechatronics. Some of these sectors include aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing, mining and farming. Apart from working in the industry, mechatronic engineers have a huge scope for research as well.