Mechatronic engineering is the combination of mechanical, electrical & electronic, robotics and computing. A Mechatronic Engineer designs smart machines that are aware of their surroundings and can make decisions. It is a new branch of the engineering field with very good job prospects.

Mechatronic engineers are at the leading edge of the development of new products, devices and processes. French standard NF E 01-010 gives the following definition: “approach aiming at the synergistic integration of mechanics, electronics, control theory, and computer science within product design and manufacturing, in order to improve and/or optimize its functionality”.

Students need to have credits in Maths & Physics or Science in SPM or O-Levels to go for the mechatronics engineering programme. Students after SPM or O-Levels who are sure of choosing engineering for their degree studies may go for the Foundation in Engineering. 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. Students after the external Pre-University Programme such as A-Levels, UEC, STPM, SAM, CPU, MUFY or AUSMAT may enter directly into the Engineering Degree programme with relevant results. Students can study a 4-year Mechatronics degree at top private universities in Malaysia that are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia

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.

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Top Private Universities in Malaysia Offering First Rate Mechatronic Engineering Education

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.

Students can consider studying Mechatronics Engineering at Asia Pacific University 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). Both 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.

Students after SPM or O-Levels with at least 5 credits including Maths and Physics may enter the Foundation in Engineering at Asia Pacific University or Foundation in Science at UCSI University for 1 year before continuing on to the 4-year mechatronics engineering degree.

Graduates from Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering or Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering may enter into Year 2 of the Mechatronics Engineering degree and complete the degree in 3 years.

• Leading private universities and colleges in Malaysia offering the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering are UCSI University, Asia Pacific University,  KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie, KDU Penang University College, APIIT, First City University College and HELP College of Arts & Technology.
• First City University College offers the Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering.
• Top ranked KDU Penang University College uniquely offers the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Mechatronic) and Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Microelectronic)

Study the 4-Year B.Eng (Hons) Mechatronic Engineering at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University, Malaysia

Engineering principles learnt at different levels are enhanced by exposure to practical sessions supported by hands-on laboratory work. This is undertaken in the fully-equipped laboratories for Analogue and Digital Electronics, Communication Engineering, Power System, Robotics, PLC Controls, Pneumatics and Automation, Mechanical Equipment, Mechanical Workshop and as well as Materials and Testing Laboratories.

In order to enable students to learn and understand the latest high-tech engineering design and simulation techniques, software such as Matlab, Labview, Multisim and Autodesk Inventor  have been installed in the Engineering Design laboratory. Students can all these facilities to complete engineering assignments and design projects.

The Final Year Project rooms allows students to focus on project development in parallel the APU Centre of Robotics Engineering allows for students to engage with advanced Robotics research work.

The B. Eng (Hons) Mechatronic Engineering programme at Asia Pacific University is specifically designed

to provide:

• High-quality undergraduate engineering education by providing students with a curriculum that is firmly grounded in Mechatronic engineering fundamentals.
• A study of basic engineering sciences and fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, electonics and computing engineering. Students will be to integrate these four diverse.
• The technical skills to design, analyse and test “intelligent” products or processes that incorporate suitable controller, sensor and mechatronic devices for robotics and automation.

PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Mechatronic Engineering is concerned with the creation, design and building of intelligent machines. This new breed of engineer has to master skills in mechanical, electronic and computer engineering and work in a hybrid manner, meeting an ever-increasing need in industry where complexity of projects is rising and resources are limited. The main areas of activity are:

• Fundamental design and build – ways of embedding intelligence and interfacing to the real world
• Process control – plant condition monitoring and control
• Advance robotics and intelligent Machines
• Image Processing and collision avoidance
• Industrial system such as CIM system, CAD/CAM system
• Design and develop a Mechatronics system

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

Upon completion of their study at Asia Pacific University, students should have attained the following outcomes:

• Ability to gain and apply basic principles of Mathematics, Science and Engineering.
• Ability to identify engineering problems and apply basic engineering principles to solve them.
• Ability to recognize and apply suitable tools and techniques for engineering practical applications.
• Ability to investigate complex engineering problems using research techniques.
• Ability to design solutions for complex engineering problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
• Ability to comprehend and demonstrate current good practices of engineering for sustainable development.
• Ability to practice safety, health, social, cultural, legal and environmental responsibilities as an engineer.
• Ability to execute the responsibilities of an Engineer professionally and ethically.
• Ability to function effectively as an individual or in a team.
• Ability to recognize the need for, and be able to engage in independent and life-long learning.
• Ability to demonstrate and apply the knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.

Year 1 Mechatronic Engineering Subjects at Asia Pacific University

These modules provide an appropriate platform for an Engineering Professional to understand the basic principles of engineering

in the areas of Circuit Analysis, Analogue and Digital Electronics, Engineering Materials, Engineering Statics & Dynamics and Engineering Design.

In addition, a thorough grounding in principles of IT and management are provided by the Programming and Management modules. Modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Introduction to Management provide the basic academic skills required to meet the demands of employers. Important and relevant skills for managing activities and for your own independent learning are also introduced.

Common Modules

• Analysis of Circuits
• Engineering Materials
• Introduction to Management
• Engineering Statics & Dynamics
• Engineering Mathematics 1
• Introduction to C Programming
• Engineering Mathematics 2
• Instrumentation & Measurement
• Engineering Design

Year 2 Mechatronic Engineering Subjects at Asia Pacific University

Here, you start specialising in modules that develop the necessary underlying knowledge and skills in Mechatronic Engineering.

Further, in-depth Electronic and Mechanical skills are developed here with modules such as Electromagnetic Field Theory, Engineering Software & Applications, Analogue Electronics, Digital Electronics, Sensor & Actuators, Introduction to Power System, Signals & Linear Systems and Strength of Materials. Engineering Mathematics is provided for the better understanding of the engineering modules.

Common Modules

• Analogue Electronics
• Introduction to Power System
• Engineering Mathematics 3
• Electromagnetic Field Theory
• Digital Electronics
• Engineering Software & Applications
• Signals & Linear Systems

Specialised Modules

• Strength of Material
• Sensor & Actuators
• Intermediate Robotics

Year 3 Mechatronic Engineering Subjects at Asia Pacific University

Specialised knowledge and skills in the areas of Machine Design, CAD/CAM, Advance Robotics, Control Engineering,

Communication Engineering Principle, Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer, PLC & Pneumatic System, and Numerical Methods & Statistics, are a critical focus of this level. There is further development of the ability to apply relevant engineering skills with strong critical thinking and analysis.

Common Modules

• Control Engineering
• Communication Engineering Principles
• Microprocessor Systems & Embedded Software
• Numerical Methods & Statistics
• Power Electronic & Drives

Specialised Modules

• Machine Design
• PLC & Pneumatic System
• CAD/CAM
• Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
• Advance Robotics

Internship

Industry placement with a suitable organisation for a minimum period of 12 weeks, after completing Year 3 and before the commencement of Year 4.

Year 4 Mechatronic Engineering Subjects at Asia Pacific University

The final year Engineering modules provide the necessary industry application technological skills which will become very useful

for employment upon graduation. These modules include, Product Creation Technology, Mechatronic Design, and Fluid Mechanics.

Your personal and professional development is enhanced by the module in Engineer in Society and Engineering Project Management. You will enhance your technical capability and understand how to innovate, generate and manage the creation of new ideas. The Project Phase I (Investigation) in Mechatronic Engineering will enable students to take on R&D with commercialisation.

The Mechatronic Engineering Project Phase II (Implementation) also develops the academic and practical aspects of your chosen areas of study and reinforces your independent learning skills. This is where you will demonstrate higher level critical thinking, analysis and solutions development skills which will enhance your employability.

Common Modules

• Engineering Project Management
• Project Phase I (Investigation)
• Project Phase II (Implementation)
• Engineer in Society

Specialised Modules

• Mechatronics Design
• Fluid Mechanics
• Product creation and Technology

Accreditation of Asia Pacific University engineering degrees by BEM

Asia Pacific University Engineering Degrees are fully accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) which is a signatory

to the Washington Accord.

This accreditation ensures that APU Engineering Graduates will have the following benefits in countries who are signatories of the Washington Accord: Opportunities to register as a Graduate Engineer with Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) or the relevant professional bodies in other countries who are signatories under the Washington Accord.

Pathways to becoming a Professional or Chartered Engineer. Assurance that graduates are considered as having met international academic standards for engineering practice. International Recognition APU Engineering Degrees are Accredited Professionally by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and are therefore recognized internationally under the Washington Accord.

Recognition under the Washington Accord allows for APU engineering programmes to be recognized by countries such as Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States who are all signatories of the accord.

This allows APU graduates to be recognised in these countries for career opportunities towards achieving

Professional/Chartered Engineer status or for further education progression. Furthermore, many countries which are not yet signatories to the Washington Accord also use this as a benchmark in recognizing Engineering Degrees.

With this achievement, recognition under the Washington Accord enables APU Engineering graduates to work in any country in the world who are also a signatory to the Accord, without the need to re-qualify. If they choose to work in Malaysia, APU graduates will have the opportunity to register as

Graduate Engineers with Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), if they choose to work overseas in Washington Accord signatory countries; they can also register as Graduate Engineers.

The recognition is of utmost importance to the engineering education in Malaysia as graduates from accredited engineering degree programmes from Washington Accord signatory countries are considered as meeting the academic standard for practices in engineering at the international level.

The BEM accreditation and recognition by MQA ensures that Asia Pacific University is one of the best universities in Malaysia to study Mechatronic Engineering.

Strategic location of Asia Pacific University campus

Asia Pacific University is strategically located at Technology Park Malaysia near the Bukit Jalil LRT. The university is currently building its new campus also located in Technology Park Malaysia. Hostel Accommodation is provided off-campus with a free bus shuttle to and from the campus including the Bukit Jalil LRT. Asia Pacific University also offers scholarships to deserving students.

Study the 4-year Mechatronic Engineering at the Top Ranked UCSI University

Mechatronic Engineering is a field that integrates various components in different engineering disciplines – such as electronics, computer and mechanical engineering, among others – to meet the increasing demands of complex and sophisticated industries.  In mechatronics, students are equipped with the essential skills in industrial technology and learn a combination of mechanical, electronic and computer science techniques to design, fabricate, assemble and maintain automation and modern manufacturing systems.

The Mechatronic Engineering programme at UCSI University encompasses three major engineering fields, with a well-balanced focus on Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical and Robotics and Automation Engineering.

Students are furnished with the fundamental skills in analyzing and designing complex systems to serve

the needs of the industry and to meet challenges posed by emerging technologies.

UCSI University’s mechatronic laboratories are well-equipped with the latest equipment and software packages to enhance the students’ learning experience and expose them to the latest technology in the market. The course aims to provide the industry with a new generation of engineers armed with interdisciplinary skills essential in managing modern engineering tasks such as designing, maintaining, calibrating, selecting, and procuring advanced integrated systems. 

To increase their employability, students are also required to undergo industrial training under UCSI University’s Co-operative

Placement Training Scheme at the end of their 2nd and 3rd academic years. This allows students to learn and familiarise themselves with a real-life working environment.

Apart from that, students also undertake a research and development project in their final year of study.  The engineering programme at UCSI University is accredited by MQA and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). UCSI

University is famous for engineering courses being one of the first private universities to offer engineering courses.

UCSI University is ranked in the Top 300 Universities in Asia in 2015 by the renown QS University Rankings. UCSI University is ranked as Excellent or Tier 5 in the SETARA 2013 rating system by MQA.

Together with the BEM recognition, experience and unique Co-Op programme, UCSI University is one of the best universities in Malaysia to study Mechatronic Engineering.

UCSI University also offers scholarships to deserving students.

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechatronic Engineering Programme Details at UCSI University

The duration of the Mechatronic Engineering Programme at UCSI University is 4 years in order to meet the requirements of

the Board of Engineers Malaysia.

In each year there are two long-semesters consisting of 14 weeks of instruction with 2 weeks of examinations, and one short-semester consisting of 7 weeks of instruction with 1 week of examinations. The long-semesters start in January and May, while the short-semester starts in September.

In the months of November & December students undergo industrial training under the Co-Operative Placement Scheme to learn and to familiarize themselves with real life working environment. In addition, students also undertake a research and development project in their final year.

The number of contact hours per course per week depends on the credit and teaching methodology of each course. Each credit is approximately equivalent to 1 hour of class, or 2 hours of labs per week.

Assessments for the Mechatronic Engineering Programme at UCSI University

The teaching and learning strategies and assessment are designed depending on and according to the nature of course or topic being taught or investigated.

The school of Engineering implements different methods and styles of teaching and learning and assessment to ensure the successful achievement of the learning outcomes of its programmes, that includes

• Ordinary classroom lectures
• Group tutorials
• Laboratory works
• Seminars and eforums
• Directed and self learning
• Invited guest lectures
• Industrial visits

UCSI University Engineering Degree Accredited by Board of Engineers Accredited (BEM)

The Engineering Degrees of these universities are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) which is a signatory to the Washington Accord. This accreditation ensures that Engineering Graduates will have the following benefits in countries who are signatories of the Washington Accord:

• Opportunities to register as a Graduate Engineer with Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) or the relevant professional bodies in other countries who are signatories under the Washington Accord.
• Pathways to becoming a Professional or Chartered Engineer.
• Assurance that graduates are considered as having met international academic standards for engineering practice.

Mechatronics Engineering Degree Subjects Offered at UCSI University

Year 1 Subjects for the Mechatronics Engineering Degree at UCSI University

• Calculus & Analytical Geometry II
• Circuit Theory I
• Digital Electronics I
• Technical Communication
• Mathematical Methods For Engineers I
• Engineering Graphics & Design
• Engineering Statics
• Analogue Electronics I

Year 2 Subjects for the Mechatronics Engineering Degree at UCSI University

• Engineering Dynamics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Advanced Circuit Theory & Transmission Lines
• Computing For Engineers
• Mathematical Methods For Engineers II
• Material Science
• Digital Electronics II
• Electronic Manufacturing Industry
• Engineering Software & Applications
• Cooperative Placement 2

Year 3 Subjects for the Mechatronics Engineering Degree at UCSI University

• Numerical Analysis
• Microprocessor Systems
• Electrical Power & Machines
• Thermodynamics
• Engineers In Society
• Control Systems
• Stress Analysis & Design
• Manufacturing Processes
• Instrumentation & Measurements (Lab)
• Cooperative Placement 4

Year 4 Subjects for the Mechatronics Engineering Degree at UCSI University

• Final Year Project A

  

• Embedded System Design
• Mechatronic Systems Design
• Engineering Management & Economics
• Final Year Project A
• Final Year Project B

Elective Subject (Select any four):

• Digital Control Systems
• Intelligent Systems
• Digital Signal Processing
• Fluid Power & Drives
• Robotic Systems
• Power Electronics

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.

What will you study in Mechatronics Engineering?           

Mechatronics students will find a full project application with hardware and software a piece of cake, but will not be able to give in-depth analysis of the mechanical dynamics/software structure unless they specifically work towards it.

Mechatronic students take courses from across the various fields listed below:

• Mechanical engineering and materials science subjects
• Electronic engineering subjects
• Computer engineering subjects
• Computer science subjects
• Systems and control engineering subjects
• Optomechanics (optical engineering) subjects
• Robotics subjects

Example of subjects at degree level: Electrical Circuits, Computer Programming, Control Systems, Thermodynamics, Kinematics and Dynamics of  Machines, Microcomputer Systems and Interfacing, Actuators and Sensors, Digital Control Systems, Robotics and Automation, Mechanical Systems, Microprocessor Systems, Stress Analysis & Design,  Instrumentation & Measurements, Electrical Power & Machines, Fluid Power & Drives, etc

What do Mechatronic Engineers do?           

In a nutshell, a mechatronic engineer is responsible for combining the elements of mechanical engineering and electronics engineering to design and develop mechatronic products. Elements of electrical engineering and computer science (in the form of software design and software engineering) play a part in the daily work of mechatronic engineers too.

Likewise, a Robotic Arm is a prime example of a mechatronics system because it includes aspects of mechanics, electronics, control and soft-computing to do its day-to-day jobs.

Engineers from different fields of expertise work in teams on projects. For example, in a project, the Electrical & Electronics Engineer will give an in-depth analysis on the Electrical characteristics while the Mechanical engineer focuses on the physical mechanics. The software engineer will provide the software for the machine to function. With knowledge from all areas, the mechatronics engineer will be an ideal project manager.

Here are some things you might be expected to do in your job:

• Develop new solutions to industrial problems using mechanical and electronic processes and computer technology.
• Design and build completely new products by integrating various technologies, for example, developing robotic vehicles for underwater exploration.
• Build and test factory production lines introducing automation to improve existing processes.
• Maintain and improve previous industrial and manufacturing processes and designs, for example, robotic lawn mowers and robot floor cleaners.
• Design, develop, maintain and manage high technology engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
• Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of material, components or finished goods.
• Apply advanced control systems, which are usually computer-driven.
• Apply electronic and mechanical processes and computers to tasks where the use of human labour may be dangerous (like underwater exploration, mining or forestry)
• Study the feasibility, cost implications and performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.
• Carry out modelling, simulation and analysis of complex mechanical, electronic or other engineering systems using computers.

Career Opportunities for Mechatronics Engineering Graduates in Malaysia 

The career opportunities for mechatronics engineers in Malaysia is wide and a huge range of applications, from robotics in manufacturing and automation to the automotive, aerospace, medical and leisure and entertainment industries.

With your broad engineering knowledge base, you probably hold technical design and decision-making positions, often overseeing or playing a central role in engineering design teams.

Mechatronic engineers work in companies that require hi-tech input into what they are developing. They may work in a laboratory, a processing plant or an engineering office but are also research opportunities in emerging fields like bioengineering, nanotechnology and robotics.

You will find Mechatronic engineers in large global enterprises developing futuristic vehicles, challenging defence technology and revolutionising consumer products. They may also work in smaller innovative ‘high tech’ companies supplying software, parts and equipment. They could be product developers, work in manufacturing, or mining or defence industries, and in government and industry research groups.

Mechatronic Engineers may be required to travel to present at a conference or view a new design idea or innovative technology.

Mechatronics graduates can work as Systems Engineers, Project Engineers, Industrial Engineers and Control & Instrumentation Engineers within organizations such ABB, Alstom, Dyson, First Solar, GE Intelligent Platforms, Honeywell, Infineon, Intel, Jacobs Engineering, M+W, Petronas, Shell, Siemens, Sunpower, Yokogawa, etc.

Mechatronics – Dyson, Hitachi, Panasonic, Sony, Sime Darby, VS Industry, Bosch, Carsem (M) Sdn. Bhd. (S-Site), , T.A. Furniture Industries Sdn Bhd, Singapore Epson Industrial Pte Ltd., Emerson Process Management Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Singapore),  GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore, Cycle & Carriage Industries Pte Ltd (Singapore), Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, T & T Inspection and Engineering Sdn Bhd, Top Glove Corporation Berhad