What is Mechatronics?

Explore the Exciting Field of Mechatronics

Mechatronics is a technical field of study at Texarkana College that trains students to be proficient in skills needed in many of today’s industries. Students will learn how to integrate mechanics, electronics, and computing elements to create state-of-the art systems that are simpler and smarter for today’s advanced manufacturing companies. 

If you like working with robots, control systems, and electro-mechanical or production systems, then the field of mechatronics may be for you! Do you have a knack for creative problem solving or do you enjoy technical and engineering activities? Mechatronics could be for you. Check out Texarkana College’s mechatronic training program and see for yourself that in just one year or less, you could be well on your way to a new job or career change. 

There is no question as to what is mechatronics, at Texarkana College. You can develop a wide range of industrial skills- all in one program. With our Mechatronics degree and certificate program, you’ll train in six different trades, giving yourself a diverse skill set that qualifies you to fill a number of industrial jobs. Texarkana College’s Mechatronics degree program trains you to diagnose industrial machinery for operational issues, work with motors, pumps, hydraulics and programmable logic control systems, so you can keep machinery running smoothly.  Train on state-of-the-art equipment donated by local industries to solve mechanical problems that every manufacturer faces. By now, you should be getting a better idea of what is mechatronics. Continue reading to find out what you might expect when pursuing a degree in mechatronics.

What do Mechatronics Professionals Do?

A mechatronics specialist is trained to have a base of knowledge in the fundamentals of both mechanical and electrical engineering techniques. This broad base of knowledge provides many opportunities for job growth and advancement within industrial work settings. There are many new career opportunities emerging in today’s manufacturing world due to advanced and emerging technologies. With a broad skillset like that, It’s no wonder many are wondering what is mechatronics.

There are many jobs already in existence that require the knowledge and skills of mechatronics. These include working with robots, control systems for all kinds of automated machines including amusement park rides, bottling or packaging of food and drink products, or production of consumer products such as tires and other mass marketed goods.

Some mechatronics design and maintain automatic equipment for industries such as aviation, robotics, defense, and transport. Mechatronics specialists also work in the fields of cybersecurity, telecommunications, computer science, automotive engineering, and artificial intelligence. Workplaces for mechatronic specialists range from laboratories and processing plants to engineering design offices.

The Best Way to Learn What is Mechatronics? Study Mechatronics.

With a degree from Texarkana College in mechatronics, you will have a broad base of multidisciplinary skills that will allow you to have more opportunities for advancement and management positions. A mechatronics specialist is a creative problem solver who can work on a team or be a team leader. Thinking creatively and being able to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally is also important for career advancement. 

Many mechatronic engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) and other engineering software for modeling, simulating, and analyzing complex mechanical, electronic, or other engineering systems.

Still needing some more info to get a better understanding of what is mechatronics? Read on to find out the job outlook and more.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for Mechatronics Specialists is expected to experience growth in the next 10 years. Reports show that nearly 3.5 million skilled manufacturing workers may be needed to fill the talent pipeline in the next decade and more than two million of those jobs are expected to go unfilled due to a shortage of workers with the skills necessary to operate in an advanced manufacturing environment.

Manufacturing companies look to community colleges like Texarkana College for innovative training programs that produce highly skilled candidates for employment in this sector. Pursuing a mechatronics degree or certificate from Texarkana College is a fast way to increase your earning potential and start a career in a high demand occupation that employers are needing right now.

 Possible careers and salaries for Mechatronic Specialists include:

• Industrial Engineering Technologist- $51,569
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics- $57,199
• Machinist- $40,124
• Electromechanical Technician- $35,074
• Supervisor of Mechanics, Installers and Repairers- $63,938

What is Mechatronics at Texarkana College?

The Mechatronics program at Texarkana College provides students with industry-approved and designed curriculum and courses that lead to jobs that are open within our region. Each course is combined with a lab where you receive significant hands-on training in solving real-world situations. The lab contains factory-equipped and standard industry equipment including Programmable Logix Controllers (PLCs).

PLCs are like the brain of an industrial automation system. As you learn how to program and troubleshoot PLCs and interconnected hardware systems, you will acquire essential skills that are in high demand. Courses are taught in-person on the Texarkana College main campus in the Ledwell Industrial Technology Center.

Students with no experience as well as students who are already employed are welcome to enroll in the program. Mechatronic classes at Texarkana College provide instruction in basic foundations of industrial technology and then immediately put that gained knowledge into practice in the automation lab. Our training covers relevant skills specifically requested by local industry so that a student finishing our program is job-ready.

In addition, students who study mechatronics at Texarkana College will receive hands-on training and real-world experience through intern- and externship opportunities with partner industries. Texarkana College faculty are highly trained and experienced members who have worked in regional industrial settings and who remain in constant contact with hiring and production managers of regional major employers throughout the Northeast Texas region.

Some of the mechatronic classes included in a mechatronics degree plan at Texarkana College:  

• Pumps, Compressors, & Mechanical Drives- A study of the theory and operations of various types of pumps and compressors. Topics include mechanical power transmission systems including gears, v-belts, and chain drives. 
• Industrial Automation- Applications of industrial automation systems including identification of system requirements, equipment integration, motors, controllers, and sensors. Coverage of set-up, maintenance, and testing of the automated system.
• Hydraulics and Pneumatics- Discussion of the fundamentals of hydraulics and pneumatics, components of each system and the operations, maintenance, and analysis of each system. 

Is a Mechatronics Degree a Good Choice?

A mechatronics degree is a unique training opportunity available through mechatronic classes at Texarkana College that will provide students with portable and transferable skills within many global industries.

The mechatronics degree at Texarkana College opens doors for students who want to work locally and have advancement opportunities, but also provides over-arching knowledge of mechatronic systems and mechatronics engineering for students to work world-wide.

Some of the more recent developments in the field of mechatronics is its contribution to global challenges, such as climate change or healthcare. Students who take mechatronic classes will study different career fields and job opportunities available for graduates with a mechatronic degree. Now that we’ve answered the question: what is mechatronics? Find out how to start your journey to becoming a mechatronics professional

Steps to becoming a Mechatronics professional

To get started on your mechatronics degree at Texarkana College and to start your career in this dynamic and growing field, contact an enrollment advisor at Texarkana College or sign up for a campus tour with a recruiter.

Mechatronic classes are available to full-time and part-time students. Mechatronic classes are available at Texarkana College both during the day and at night. 

Mechatronics Degree or Certificates available through Texarkana College

At Texarkana College, you have choices when it comes to the length of time you spend in the classroom. You can choose from the following mechatronic degrees and/or certificates: 

• 2-year associate degree (60 sch);
• 1 year certificate (45 sch)
• 1 semester certificate (16 sch)

Costs and Financial Aid- Approximate total program cost for in-district (Bowie County residents) for the Industrial Maintenance Associate Degree Program is $6,870. There are many scholarships available for qualifying students who are starting over in their careers, for first generation students, and for students just graduating high school.

Financial Aid is also available for students who are eligible for FAFSA resources. Texarkana College financial aid and enrollment specialists are available to assist you every step of the way. Contact us directly by calling 903-823-3012 or by visiting https://www.texarkanacollege.edu/programs/mechatronics/.