About Mechatronics
Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of mechanical,
electrical, and computer technologies in the design of complex products
and processes. Recent rapid growth of mechatronics as an area of
engineering has given rise to a significant demand for mechatronics
engineers. In the Mechanical Engineering Department at Cal Poly, our
Mechatronics Concentration is helping meet this need by producing
engineering graduates who are capable, well-rounded mechatronics
designers.
Mechatronics is a design philosophy, an integrated approach to
engineering design. The primary factor distinguishing mechatronics is
the simultaneous consideration of the following factors in the design of
a product or process:
- Mechanical
- Electrical/Electronic
- Computational
- Sensors/Actuators
- Real-Time Interfacing
Mechatronics is intimately associated with modern product design.
Applications of mechatronics are widespread, including manufacturing
automation and intelligent machines. Specific examples include: computer
printers, copy machines, the Mars Rover, automatic windows, automotive
fuel injectors and ignition control, modern household appliances, and
car and home security systems.
Our Mission
By Glen Thorncroft, ME Professor
The mission of the mechanical engineering program is
to impart knowledge in the art and science of mechanical engineering
through a comprehensive curriculum true to the traditional Cal Poly
learn-by-doing philosophy that produces mechanical engineers of high
ethics and skill, fully prepared for entry into industry, government,
graduate school and private enterprise.
We see our mission as to educate the best engineers for California,
the country, and the world. Our students have a strong foundation in
theory – many of them go on to graduate schools - but the education we
provide our students makes them sound, practicing engineers from the
moment they graduate. In fact, our industrial partners tell us that
they seek out our graduates because, in their words, “they hit the
ground running.” So how do we do it?
We offer one of the most practical, hands-on programs available.
Our curriculum is laboratory-intensive: some 20 courses have required
laboratories! We encourage our students to take internships and/or
cooperative education opportunities to get real industry experience.
And in our year-long, capstone Senior Project course, students design,
build, and test systems they develop for industry sponsors. And let’s
not forget the facilities available to our students, like the 24-hour
labs and the student machine shops!
Above all, we have the most dedicated, student-focused faculty
anywhere. Most of our faculty have spent years in industry, or have
other significant industrial experience (what better way to learn
engineering than to learn it from engineers?). And yet, our first love
is to be educators. Our faculty teach the labs; Graduate Teaching
Assistants are rare. Faculty are involved in our clubs and team
projects. Finally, students have a rapport with professors that is
hard to find elsewhere, with plentiful office hours and open doors. We
know (most of) our students by name!
We believe that the reputation of or program is built on the
accomplishments of our students and alumni. Come visit us, and see for
yourself!
