Mechatronics – basic information
Mechatronics is a very unique and difficult field. It’s a combination of many different
disciplines such as IT, mechanics and electronics (hence the name: mechanics plus
electronics gives mechatronics). This term was created in the 1970s in Japan and
quickly spread all over the world.
First mechatronics projects seem very easy today. One example is a DVD player – it’s
a mechanical device that needs computer control and electrical system to work
properly.
Many people believe that mechatronics is simply robotics, because mechatronics
engineers create new machines, often very complex, requiring special software to
function.
If you want to be a great mechatronic you need a wide knowledge of mechanics,
electronics, programming and control engineering. In other words, you must be
excellent at maths and physics and good at biology and chemistry. Technical skills are
essential. You must feel comfortable with new technologies, be creative and possess
problem solving skills. You also need to be patient, accurate, hard-working. Your work
will sometimes be methodical, tiring, even boring – after all, you can’t build a robot in
a day! You must plan everything carefully and cooperate with other people to create a
new machine.
The most difficult aspect is probably programming. Every high-tech machine needs to
be programmed to work. Unfortunately, it is a skill that can’t be learnt instantly. It’s a
matter of practice, practice and… practice. You have to be able to use several
programming languages like Java, C, C++, Python, SQL, Visual Basic etc. Of course,
your college will certainly offer you very intensive coding training, so you don’t have to
study all of it on your own.
Master’s degree in mechatronics at Glasgow University lasts 5 years and costs over
2000 Euro per year for European Union citizens. Average annual salary of a
mechatronics engineer in the UK is about 52,500 £1 and in the USA 64,000 $2. As the
demand for mechatronics is increasing steadily, so are their earnings. Undisputedly,
it’s a job with a bright future.
1
www.totaljobs.com
2
www.recruiter.com
Magdalena Ślawska – angielski zawodowy www.joz.com.pl
Ex. 1
Read the text and answer the following questions.
What is the origin of the term “mechatronics”?
Where was the term created?
Give an example of a mechatronics project.
Are robotics and mechatronics similar?
What skills do you need to be a good mechatronics engineer?
Is it a good job for people who like working alone? Why?
Why programming is important for mechatronics?
Is mechatronics’ job well-paid?
Ex. 2
Recognize a word by its definition.
a field of science that combines many different fields, like IT or mechanics – ……………
a mechanical or electrical invention created for some purpose - ……………
a branch of technology involving construction, design and control of robots - …………
sophisticated, created thanks to advanced technology - ……………
it is used to write computer programs - ……………
Ex. 3
Create English definitions for the following words.
software –
problem solving skills –
coding –
demand –
Magdalena Ślawska – angielski zawodowy www.joz.com.pl
bright future -
Ex. 4
Describe the picture and answer the questions.
1. Are they working in a laboratory? What makes you think so?
2. Which aspect of mechatronics’ job do you find the most difficult?
3. Tell me about a very important project you had to do. What was it? Were there
any problems?
Magdalena Ślawska – angielski zawodowy www.joz.com.pl
Ex. 5
What are advantages and disadvantages of mechatronics’ job? Think about
skills, education, opportunities etc. Write your answers in a form of for and
against essay. (Remember to start with an introduction, then write about
advantages, then about disadvantages; give your final answer in a summary.)
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Magdalena Ślawska – angielski zawodowy www.joz.com.pl
