Mechatronics\u2014integrating mechanical systems with electronics and software\u2014is essential to a growing number of products and systems, including cellphones, vehicles and robots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is a significant demand for engineers with mechatronics training and experience in embedded systems across various industries,\u201d says Steve Nackers, a director of design engineering at Sub-Zero Group, Inc.<\/a> and Department of Mechanical Engineering<\/a> industrial advisory board member<\/a>. \u201cMechatronics engineers are increasingly sought after in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and healthcare, where they play a crucial role in developing and maintaining advanced automation systems, robotics and smart technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To prepare students for success in these high-demand jobs, the Department of Mechanical Engineering<\/a> created a new required core course, ME 376: Introduction to Mechatronics<\/em><\/a>. In addition to lectures covering the theory and analysis, the course includes weekly hands-on lab assignments that teach students the fundamentals of circuits, integrating electronics, microcontrollers, sensors and actuators, and basic feedback control to create a mechatronic system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe course is almost like an introduction to electrical engineering for mechanical engineering majors,\u201d says Lei Zhou<\/a>, an assistant professor in mechanical engineering<\/a> and electrical and computer engineering<\/a>, and one of several faculty who developed the course. \u201cMany engineering jobs today require working across disciplines on integrated projects, and this course allows students to gain those crucial skills and competencies that will enhance their career opportunities. This skill set is also beneficial for students interested in entrepreneurship.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n In weekly lab sessions, students gain hands-on experience using industry-relevant tools and technologies. The labs teach a progression of practical skills, from using key electronics tools like function generators and oscilloscopes, to building and testing basic circuits and programming embedded microcontrollers to control electric motors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI really enjoyed the hands-on labs in the course, where I applied the theoretical concepts I\u2019d learned and gained skills in working with real circuits,\u201d says Henry Huth, a fourth-year mechanical engineering major. \u201cThis applied electronics knowledge and experience will be highly valuable for me going forward. Electronics have such a wide variety of applications in the mechanical engineering field that it is essential for mechanical engineers to have a good knowledge base in the subject.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To enable rich hands-on learning experiences in the course, the mechanical engineering department renovated the mechatronics lab in summer 2024, converting the space into two new laboratory-style classrooms with improved layout, increased capacity, room to grow and updated equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to Zhou, mechanical engineering faculty Peter Adamczyk<\/a> and Wei Wang<\/a> and former ME faculty associate Erick Oberstar<\/a>, along with teaching assistants Bolun Zhang and Megh Doshi, contributed to the course\u2019s development. The development team will actively incorporate stakeholder feedback to refine the curriculum, ensuring the course stays at the forefront of emerging fields like mobile robotics and sustainable automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nackers applauds the department\u2019s forward-looking vision and commitment to enhancing the educational experience. \u201cAs technology evolves, mechatronics represents the future of engineering education, preparing students for dynamic and interconnected modern engineering roles,\u201d Nackers says. \u201cBy offering mechatronics training, UW-Madison ensures its engineering students are well-prepared to meet industry demands and contribute meaningfully to technological progress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peter Adamczyk is the Mead Witter Foundation Associate Professor in mechanical engineering.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Featured image caption: Students in ME 376 work on a lab assignment. 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