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    • This image shows the relationships between the core disciplines of mechatronics (computers, control systems, electronic systems, and engineering). Control systems interacts with computers to produce digital control systems and with electronicvs to produce control electronics. Electro-mechanical products combine electronic and mechanical systems. Mechanical systems and computers produce mechanical CAD. The possibilities from these interactions serves multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical xerography, defense systems, manufacturing, materials processing and consumer products..

     

    What is Mechatronics?

    Mechatronics is a multi-disciplinary subfield of engineering that deals with the design and operation of computer-controlled, electro-mechanical systems. Mechatronics is the applied aspect of engineering; it is a profession in which technology, applied science, and mathematics are used to create hands-on engineering solutions. Mechatronics technicians typically assist the design, development, and engineering staff and work closely with others to install, maintain, operate, modify, and repair unmanned, automated, robotic, or electro-mechanical equipment and component parts.

    Program Description

    The SFSC Mechatronics Program includes six college credit certificates and numerous industry certifications that lead directly to an Associate in Science (AS) degree in Engineering Technology. This program is designed to prepare you to meet the ever-changing and increasingly complex manufacturing processes found in today’s advanced manufacturing workforce. Graduating from this program will prepare you to step into high-skill, high-wage positions. The Mechatronics Program provides you with the technical skills, professional attitude, and the fundamental engineering technology background to be successful in today’s rapidly changing, high-performance production and advanced manufacturing workforce.

    The Mechatronics Program will equip you with a thorough understanding of production processes, quality systems, safety, and automation (including the use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)) for modern manufacturing processes. You will become proficient in instrumentation, device networking, and systems functionality required in today’s advanced manufacturing processes. Process improvements, including predictive maintenance, vibration, alignment, and quality work practices using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma will be emphasized in the curriculum.

    Is this the right program for you? 

    People in this career often know a lot about:

    • Mechanical – knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, use, repair, and maintenance
    • Engineering and Technology – Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    • Production and Processing – Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
    • English Language – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules and composition, and grammar
    • Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, and their applications

    People in this career often have these skills:

    • Repairing – Repairing machines or systems using the right tools
    • Equipment Maintenance – Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment
    • Operation Monitoring – Watch gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working
    • Troubleshooting – Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work
    • Quality Control Analysis – Testing how well a product or service works
    • Operation and Control – Using equipment or systems
    • Critical Thinking – Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
    • Equipment Selection – Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job

    People in this career often have talent in:

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness – Keeping your arm or hand steady
    • Manual Dexterity – Holding or moving items with your hands.
    • Reaction Time – Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture, or other command
    • Multi-limb Coordination – Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
    • Control Precision – Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck, or boat
    • Finger Dexterity – Putting together small parts with your fingers
    • Near Vision – Seeing details up close
    • Hearing Sensitivity – Telling the difference between sounds
    • Information Ordering – Ordering or arranging things
    • Program Sensitivity – Noticing when problems happen

    What does a Mechatronics Technician do? 

    What you might do in a day:

    • Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts
    • Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts
    • Maintain work equipment or machinery
    • Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair
    • Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems
    • Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning
    • Reassemble equipment after repair
    • Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order
    • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance
    • Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning
    • Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear
    • Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation
    • Record information about parts, materials, or repair procedures
    • Order materials, supplies, or equipment
    • Maintain repair or maintenance records
    • Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation or operation activities
    • Operate welding equipment
    • Cut materials according to specifications or needs
    • Enter codes or other information into computers
    • Train others in operational procedures

    What does the equipment look like that I will train on?

    Modular Production System

    Modular Production System
    Fluid Process Control

    Fluid Process Control
    Robotics

    Robotics
    Mechanical Training Station

    Mechanical Training Station
    Industrial Motor Controls

    Industrial Motor Controls
    State of the Art Computers for SolidWorks and AutoCAD training

    State of the Art Computers for SolidWorks and AutoCAD training
    Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

    Computer Numerical          Control (CNC)
    Laser Engraving

    Laser Engraving
    3D Printing

    3D Printing

    		  

     

    Emerge Scholars Program  
    NSF Logo Through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Emerge Scholars Program gives students access to scholarships toward an Associate in Science (AS) in Engineering Technology. To apply for the Emerge Scholarship or to learn more about SFSC’s A.S. in Engineering Technology, contact Thomas Bush, Department Chair, Technical and Industrial Education at 863-784-7117 or thomas.bush@southflorida.edu.