Mechatronics. What’s behind the name?
Do you enjoy working with gadgets and everyday objects at home and trying to figure out how they work? Then discover the exciting career of Mechatronics Engineering Technology and let CFCC help you to take your skills to the next level.
What is Mechatronics?
Mechatronics engineering technology merges the knowledge of mechanical technology and electronic circuitry with some computer and control systems thrown in. Technicians work with engineers to develop, test, repair, and operate unmanned, automated, robotic, and electromechanical equipment.
Jobs in Mechatronics
CFCC graduates are workforce-ready and highly sought after by a variety of employers that use mechatronic, robotic, and/or automated equipment in the manufacturing, packaging, and shipping of products. Mechatronic technicians are not bound to any specific industry.
Technicians find employment in automotive, electronics, food and beverage, home appliances, welding, military defense, and law enforcement industries. Local businesses need employees with technical skills in mechatronics due to the increased use of automation and robotic equipment in so many industries.
The median wage for technicians is $59,800.00 per year.
Industries You Can Work in With a Mechatronics Degree
- Automotive: Robotics and automation equipment are used for tasks such as moving materials, spraying paint onto car body parts, and welding.
- Electronics: Robots handle and assemble components that are too small for humans to manage, inspect products for correct assembly, and package the products for shipping.
- Food and beverage: Automation is used in bottle handling, bin picking, tray-loading, and packaging food and beverage products for distribution.
- Law enforcement: Robots are used to inspect and gather data when the situation is too dangerous for humans to access such as a collapsed building, bomb threat, or in search of an armed criminal.
- Healthcare: Robots can assist in surgery, clean and prep patient rooms, distribute medicine to patients
- Space exploration: NASA uses robotic arms to move large objects and explore and collect data from surfaces of other planets.
While robotics and automation equipment have taken over some roles in the manufacturing, packaging, and shipment processes as well as other industrial settings, they cannot work alone. Technicians are needed to install, program, control, and maintain every piece of automated equipment.
Individuals interested in a career in mechatronics can train at Cape Fear Community College in just two years. But it doesn’t have to stop there.
CFCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree is transferable to many 4-year North Carolina universities. CFCC graduates can pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or aerospace engineering.
