Thursday, December 03, 2009
Mechanical + Electronics = Mechatronics: new emphasis in Engineering
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Contact for more information:
Wendy Knipe Bredhold Media Relations Specialist, News & Information Services 812/461-5259 Mechatronics is a relatively new multidisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering and electrical engineering for the design and analysis of products, components, and systems such as electronic control of mechanical machines and manufacturing systems, robotics, and design of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic machines and vehicles. Dr. Paul Kuban, associate professor of engineering and coordinator of mechatronics, said there are less than a half-dozen mechatronics programs in the U.S. "They are much more common in Europe and Japan," he said. Along with Dr. Rich Ruhala, a former engineering professor at USI, Kuban presented "A New Mechatronics Curriculum within an Accredited BSE Program," at the 2009 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference last summer in Austin, Texas. In the paper, Kuban and Ruhala wrote, "We expect this program to produce well-trained graduates who are familiar with the nuances of both the electrical and mechanical aspects of advanced technology for our constituent industrial partners." The primary market for graduates of USI's BSE program is in manufacturing, as the region includes one of the world's largest plastic manufacturers, a major auto maker, a global provider of aluminum sheet, an international steel producer, and a large military technology research base. These regional industry leaders, as well as many smaller feeder companies, are represented on USI's Engineering Advisory Board (EAB). The EAB meets annually to discuss the operation of the USI engineering program, faculty research projects, and employer needs. One recurrent need is for graduates with the ability to work with both electrical and mechanical systems. "Any manufacturer who needs engineering support to design advanced controls for automated manufacturing lines would be interested in the mechatronics program," Kuban said. Craig Kelle, stamping manager at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, is a new member of the Engineering Advisory Board. "I definitely see the benefit of the mechatronics emphasis, especially within our industry," he said. "I'm a production manager over one of our shops, and I have an engineering background myself. Coming from a mechanical education, it was very important for me to learn the electrical as well." Kelle said that the multidisciplinary approach will arm USI graduates well for the future. "Rarely do you have strictly mechanical or strictly electrical needs within the work environment. Especially in the manufacturing environment, where it's highly automated, you need a high working knowledge and understanding of both." Students also have expressed interest in a combined mechanical and electrical option. "Several students in their sophomore year have said they cannot yet decide between pursuing mechanical or electrical engineering," Kuban said. The mechatronics emphasis allows them to pursue both. Kelle said, "A student with a mechatronics degree will have the knowledge of mechanical systems as well as control systems, and would definitely be attractive to an employer within our industry." For more information about mechatronics, call the Department of Engineering at 812/464-1877. |
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