Introduction
Mechatronics Engineering is very important to the industry and society. It seeks to improve the quality of life by providing knowledge and expertise in the areas of Technology, Manufacturing Processes, Production and Process Economics. The department offers courses leading to the award of Bachelor of Engineering Degree (B.Eng.) in Mechatronics Engineering.
Brief History of the Programme
Mechatronics is the synergistic integration of sensors, actuators, signal conditioning, power electronics, decision and control algorithms, computer hardware and software, to manage complexity, uncertainty, and communications in engineered systems. It exploits integrated processes founded upon interdisciplinary synergy. The functional areas include Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Computer, and Control Systems Engineering.
In the 4th industrial revolution, Mechatronics Engineering is very important to the industry and society. It seeks to improve the quality of life by providing knowledge and expertise in the areas of Technology, Manufacturing Processes, Production and Process Economics. The Department of Mechatronics Engineering offers courses leading to the award of Bachelor of Engineering Degree (B.Eng.) with specialization in the following options:
- Computer Systems and Software Development
- Control and Drives
- Robotics and Automation
In June 2010, the National Universities Commission selected Federal University of Technology, Owerri as one of the few Universities in the country to mount Mechatronics Engineering Programme. The mandate is for the implementation of the pilot scheme and as the expert certification training centre in Mechatronics for the South-East geopolitical zone. The expanded mandate includes:
- Immediate establishment/implementation of standard curriculum for undergraduate degree programme in Mechatronics
- The establishment of Basic Training Laboratories that are adequate for the implementation of standard curriculum for undergraduate degree programme in Mechatronics.
In November 26, 2015, the Senate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri approved the commencement of the Mechatronics Engineering Programme.
During the 2015/2016 Academic Session, the department took off with the first set of students, having Engr. Prof. F. I. Izuegbunam as the first Head of Department.
Employment Opportunities
Mechatronics Engineering is a synergy of mechanical, electrical, electronics, computer and control engineering. It involves basic training in mechanical, electrical, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, sensors, controllers, robotics, CAD/CAM/CNC and ICT as well as combination of previous technologies to form factory or process automation manufacturing facilities. The graduates therefore have opportunities of getting employment in a wide range of engineering-based concerns suchas in production and manufacturing industries i.e., pharmaceutical, cement, breweries, automotive, aviation, food and beverages, printing, textile, oil and gas, ICT etc. They can also find employment in defense industries.