Mechatronics and robotic systems are new branches in engineering that are applicable to every sector of society. Remotely operated vehicles on Mars, programmable washing machines at home, and automated robots in manufacturing assembly lines are just some of the applications of mechatronics and robotic systems. These products are essentially mechanical in nature but could not function without electronics and computer control systems.
The Mechatronics and Robotic Systems programme at XJTLU is a new cutting-edge major for a fast-growing industry. Students on this programme can learn and apply technologies in mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, control engineering and scientific computing. Graduates will be able to design, integrate, and test complete mechatronic systems and products.
Why should I study Mechatronics and Robotic Systems at XJTLU?
- Our mechatronics laboratories are equipped with comprehensive Arduino/Raspberry-Pi kits that support students working on robot-based projects such as autonomous cars, bionic robots, and quad-copters.
- Students will use and master state-of-the-art industrial software/hardware platforms to put acquired knowledge into practice, and to invent, design, develop, analyse, and operate mechatronic systems.
- Student will have opportunities to participate in field trips to robotics and automation companies around the Yangze River Delta region.
Knowledge and skills
The BEng in Mechatronics and Robotic Systems offers a highly diverse range of subject-related engineering knowledge with an emphasis on interdisciplinary skills.
Students will learn fundamental knowledge related to science and engineering in Year One. In addition, they will receive intensive English language training to prepare them for the 100 percent English taught and assessed modules in the subsequent years.
In Year Two, students will study the fundamentals of digital computers, electronics and electrical circuits, and mechanical engineering. Students will also take modules in mathematics, computer programming and information technology.
Year Three builds on this knowledge with modules in signal processing, control Systems, engineering structures, digital electronics, and micro-processing systems. Also included are hands-on projects that will develop students' abilities to work in a team, emphasising leadership and promoting independent problem solving skills.
In their Final Year, students will take compulsory modules covering mechatronics and robotic systems; modules such as Embedded Computer Systems and Industrial Automation and Robot Control will be taught. These together with a large choice of elective modules will allow students to develop skills in their preferred areas of interest. The Final Year includes the Final Year Project (FYP). An example of an FYP in the mechatronics and robotic systems field could be the development of a visual-based control system for autonomous vehicles equipped with multiple sensors.
Modules
Year One
UK degrees are three years long whereas in China they are four, therefore we do accept students with certain qualifications directly into Year Two, which is the start of the main academic programme. Most students, however, enter into Year One, which provides you with a range of interesting modules, language classes and core skills for your degree.
Year Two
- C programming and software engineering I
- Electrical circuits I
- Electronic circuits
- Engineering mathematics I
- Digital electronics I
- Solids and structures
- Experimental, computer skills and sustainability
- Introduction to mechatronics
- Engineering mathematics II
- Engineering drawing.
Year Three
- Electronic circuits and systems
- Signal and systems I
- Digital electronics II
- Fluid mechanics for engineering
- Engineering structures
- Microprocessor system
- Signal and systems II
- Instrumentation and control systems
- Mechanical engineering design
- Dynamic systems.
Year Four
Compulsory modules:
- Professional practice
- Embedded computer systems
- Digital control and automatic control
- Robots and mechatronic systems
- Industrial automation and robot control.
Elective modules
- Electronics for instrumentation
- Drives, power generation, transmission and relaying
- Digital system design with HDL
- Machine learning
- Image and video processing
- Mobile communications
- Artificial Intelligence
- Multi-agent systems
- Photonics and optical communication systems
- Optimisation
- Signal processing and digital filtering
- Deep learning and computer vision
- Pattern recognition in computer vision.
Careers
Mechatronics and robotic systems degrees have excellent career prospects. Many local, national, and international engineering companies hire students with a background in mechatronics and robotic systems for their well-rounded, multidisciplinary, and high-calibre engineering education. Some of these companies include ABB, Bosch, Comau, DJI, Foxconn, KUKA, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, SIASUN, Siemens, and Yaskawa.