Mechatronics is a blend of branches of engineering like Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics and Computer Science. It focuses mainly on design and production of automated equipment.

It aids design, development, maintenance and management of high-technology engineering systems for automation of industrial operations.

Mechatronics is extensively used in design and manufacturing of mechanical and electronic items. In fact, several products we know as mechanical or electronic devices are actually, products of mechatronics. Washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves and robots are some examples.

Robotics is a classic example of the application of Mechatronics. The basic difference between robotics and mechatronics is in the way the systems get their inputs. In mechatronic systems, we provide the inputs; whereas robotic systems get their inputs by themselves. For better understanding, consider traffic lights. These are mechatronic systems because they work using the inputs we provide. However, if they are programmed to capture the density of traffic and change lights accordingly, they would become robotic systems!

Mechatronics can be applied to fields like nanotechnology, automation, aircraft engineering, oceanography, oil and gas, biomedical systems, transport and computer-aided design.

The study of Mechatronics covers subjects like Mathematics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Circuit System, Electronics and Communication, Mechanical Design and Power Engineering.

Some of the universities/institutes that offer M.Tech (Mechatronics) are listed below.

VIT University, Vellore: The eligibility criterion is Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Automobile Engineering or Computer Science and Engineering. Admission is based on performance in entrance test/ GATE. For details, log on to http://www.vit.ac.in

Central Institute of Tool Design, Hyderabad: The eligibility criterion is BE/ B.Tech (ECE/ Mechanical/ EEE/ EIE/ Aeronautical Engineering) with at least 55 percent marks.

Admission is based on performance in entrance test. For details, log on to www.citdindia.org

Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Noida: The eligibility criteria are BE/ B.Tech/ AMIE in Mechanical/ ECE/ EEE and +2 with 60 percent marks. For details, log on to http://www.amity.edu

Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur: The eligibility criterion is Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Production Engineering or Computer Science and Engineering. For details, log on to http://www.iiitdmj.ac.in

Job prospects

Professionals in Mechatronics can work in areas like design, R&D, manufacture, production, safety, and quality. Some roles they can assume are systems engineer, application engineer, product development engineer, quality and safety engineer, research and development engineer, project supervisor and managers.

Jobs can be found in fields like electronics, electrical, manufacturing, engineering, instrumentation, defence, mining, aerospace, automobile, robotics, tool design and aviation.

In short, candidates who are adept in electronics, software design and mechanics can compete for many technical roles in these fields. Research organisations and educational institutions are the other avenues.

Some attributes expected in Mechatronics engineers are: Technical drawing and computer programming skills

Numeric skills (as Mathematics is an important tool)

Good communication, problem solving and decision making skills

Ability to work in teams

I am now pursuing my B.Tech third year. I want to do MS in US. Are GRE and TOEFL scores necessary for admission?

Umaraj

Admission of students into universities in USA is based on factors like:

Academic record, right from schooling

Marks obtained in the basic degree

Scores obtained in GRE and TOEFL

Letters of recommendation from professors

If you want to pursue Master's programme in a good university in USA, securing a good score in GRE and TOEFL is imperative. Taking these tests is one of the ‘must’ criteria candidates must meet for getting admission into any of the US universities. The cut off score in GRE for the master's programmes varies from university to university and may differ from year to year.

For a better idea on cut off scores, you may write to the universities, analyse the cut off scores of the specific university in previous years or seek the help of foreign education consultancies.

Mechatronics is extensively used in design and manufacturing of mechanical and electronic items. Washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves and robots are some examples. Mechatronics can be applied to fields like nanotechnology, automation, aircraft engineering, oceanography, oil and gas, biomedical systems, transport and computer-aided design.

The study of Mechatronics covers subjects like Mathematics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Circuit System, Electronics and Communication, Mechanical Design and Power Engineering.

Thanks & Regards

Rinkoo Gupta

AskIITians faculty