Students who are active, creative, like machines and robots and are good in subjects like Add Maths and Physics can consider the degree in Mechatronics Engineering.

Students can consider studying Mechatronics Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU), Multimedia University (MMU), University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia KDU or UCSI University which are recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. Their courses are accredited by MQA and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).

Furthermore, they are top ranked universities are very established in offering engineering programmes in Malaysia and have more than 20 years of experience and are the best universities in this field of study.

The engineering working world is very competitive and students must arm themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. This means that they should choose top rated universities in Malaysia for their engineering studies.

Get a First Rate Mechatronic Engineering Education at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

Students after SPM or O-Levels who are sure of choosing engineering for their degree studies may go for the Foundation in Engineering. Entry Requirements for the Foundation in Engineering will vary from university to university. If you are still not sure whether you want engineering or other science courses, you may choose the Foundation in Science programme at premier private universities in Malaysia.

Alternatively, students may enter an engineering diploma course such as the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering with at least 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels including Maths & Science. Upon completion of the engineering diploma course students may enter into Year 2 of the Mechatronic Engineering Degree programme .

Pre-University graduates in Malaysia from programmes such as UEC, STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT and others may enter directly into the BEM Accredited Engineering degree programme providing they meet the minimum entry requirements.

What is Mechatronics Engineering?

Mechatronics Engineering is the efficient and effective integration of mechanical systems, IT and electronics. It is a blend of mechanics and electronics, and uses the following:

• precision engineering
• control theory
• computer science
• mathematics
• sensor technology, to design enhanced or “smart” products, processes and systems.

Mechatronics is the combination of Mechanical, Electronic and Electrical Engineering for the design, manufacture and maintenance of systems that use microprocessors and actuators to control mechanical processes.

The key element is the integration of these different areas into the design process from start to finish. Mechatronics engineers understand how to do this and enable the intelligent operation of mechanical systems. It also involves installing, operating and modifying mechanical and electronic equipment and in areas like manufacturing, aviation, robotics and defense.

Mechatronics engineers also have roles in project engineering where their cross disciplinary knowledge gives them an edge on mechanical or electrical engineers. Mechatronics engineers can work with electrical and mechanical systems together and solve problems that cross discipline boundaries. Their strength in IT, computer hardware and networking as well as software also helps them to be very versatile problem solvers.

Mechatronic Engineers are also involved in the design, construction and running of factory production lines and processes, where they use their skills in computers; micro-controllers; programmable logic controllers; programming; industrial sensors; hydraulic, pneumatic and electric drives; design of mechanical structures and mechanisms; and knowledge of manufacturing processes.

A mechatronics engineer unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system. Its application areas range from power systems to transportation to optical telecommunications to biomedical engineering, along with a host of others.

Mechatronic systems are almost everywhere you look. For example, it can be applied to the automotive industry in the increasing combination of the mechanical part of the engine with electronics and artificial intelligence.

Another example is the Mars Rover that NASA built to send to planet Mars for research gathering purposes. The Mars Rover was the product of several years of research and development to ensure engineers on earth could effectively control the Rover on the unpredictable terrain of the planet Mars.

It had to be able to negotiate any terrain encountered as well as perform fine motions to grab and sample rock and soil – much like expecting a rugby union prop to also be an accomplished ballet dancer! Of course that call occurred after a brilliant and novel Mars landing strategy was developed.

Another Example: The anti-lock braking system
Cars need brakes. Cars have always had brakes. But the design of brakes has been improved over time, making them better, more responsive and safer. Now, thanks to modern sensing, actuation, computing and control technologies, braking systems are more amazing than ever before. Using technology to adjust the braking system in a split second has meant brakes are more responsive and deliver the greatest coefficient of friction possible.

It may sound a bit far-fetched but Mechatronic engineers create smart machines that are aware of their

surroundings and can make decisions. These smart machines are complex beings made up of several parts: the mechanical system itself, the sensing and actuation, the control systems and the software. The opportunities available to develop such intelligent machines are ever evolving.

The future is virtually unlimited for mechatronics, and much of it is here today. Robotic systems and components are already as small as a few microns and researchers are investigating nano-technologies using mechatronic systems for implantation into the human body to repair or replace damaged physiological functions.

The next two decades will see an explosion of automated mechatronic systems infiltrating our lives more and more every year – improving our quality of life and our knowledge of the world and universe we live in. Offices, homes, factories, and more are becoming more and more mechanised to be efficient.

What do Mechatronics Engineers work as in Malaysia?

Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical and software engineering in the design, development and control of diverse systems used in a range of industries including manufacturing, medicine and the service industries. Examples of mechatronic systems include aircraft, dishwashers, motor vehicles, automated manufacturing plants, medical and surgical devices and systems, robots of all types, many toys, artificial organs and many others.

There is an increasing demand for engineering graduates who are able to work in an interdisciplinary environment. Mechatronics Engineering is a new discipline that is combines electronics, control, software, computer and mechanical engineering.

Modern mechatronics is about the integration of electronics with mechanical design to create intelligent systems. From fuzzy logic controlled washing machines to space exploration, mechatronics and robotic systems are at the forefront of technological developments.

The word ‘mechatronics’ might still not be recognised by some dictionaries even today, but it has been in use for quite a while now. It first surfaced in Japan in the 1980s and represents the discipline of engineering that is associated with robots and automation. Without a doubt, the engineers who choose this field do share an interest in building robots that are able to perform a variety of functions, for one purpose or another.

Mechatronics engineers are therefore involved in almost every possible industry at levels from applications development to manufacturing to advanced research.  Some of the products of mechatronic engineering include everyday gadgets like cameras, printers, washing machines and automatic doors. Others include parts of the car and airplane, robotic arm, etc.

Graduates with a Mechatronics degree can take up careers in a wide range of industries including robotics, aerospace, chemical, defence and automotive and manufacturing where complex software plays a major role, as well as in businesses that require extensive computer support, such as banking and commerce.

Contributions can be made to these industries in a variety of roles including design engineer, software engineer, project planner, product designer and project manager.