New Mechatronics Education Initiatives

The number of associate level degree programs in Mechatronics is growing rapidly across the country. These programs are trying to meet the increasing nationwide need for technicians that can install, maintain, troubleshoot, and service subsystems that often integrate pumps, motors, valves, sensor, and interface software that are responsible for the operation and/or control of manufacturing processes. These technicians are typically identified as mechanical, automation, robotics, and/or mechatronics technicians. These associate degree level programs are also aligning their curriculum with several international, industry valued credentials to best prepare the 2-year mechatronics technicians to be ready for work in the growing number of highly automated facilities across the country. This paper reviews several of these evolving programs; how they have updated electrical and/or mechanical technology programs to include current technology and industry workforce need; how the industry credentials are impacting their programs, students and employers; and their efforts to build capacity by partnering with local high schools to better meet the needs of employers in their communities.