About

1. Purpose: The term Mechatronics is formed by combining the English words "mechanic" and "electronic" appropriately and was first used in Japan. This concept, originating from Japan, has spread and established itself globally as the years have progressed. Mechatronics is a new field of science based on the integrated perception of mechanical, electrical, electronic, control systems technology programs, and computer software science disciplines. Mechatronic engineering, in brief, can be defined as the integrated execution and application of machine, electrical/electronic engineering, and computer technology within the principles of engineering. The integration of these three engineering disciplines on a product is the fundamental principle of mechatronic engineering. Contemporary mechatronic technology products consist of sensors, motor systems, and computer programs that can centrally or distributively control the entire system or machine, typically embedded around one or more microprocessors. Systems and machines in line with this definition can observe their designated environment, perceive changes in the surroundings, interpret the acquired information, and, with the assistance of the necessary motor systems, modify their surroundings. The software in mechatronic products generally employs artificial intelligence techniques, transforming mechatronic design products into capable systems that can adapt to various conditions, rather than simple functional machines.

Concrete Objectives of the Program: Our department aims to train mechatronic engineers who specialize in electrical-electronic, mechanical, and computer systems technologies, capable of supervising and directing the design process, acquiring and utilizing the necessary knowledge in relevant fields, and particularly transferring this knowledge to the product development process.

Concrete Advantages of the Program: It can be said that Turkey's chances of international competitiveness in technological design and manufacturing depend significantly on success in mechatronics. Therefore, the widespread adoption of mechatronics education is essential at every level. Additionally, declaring mechatronics as a priority and critical area in Turkey, and sustaining this education through state-university-industry collaboration, is of great importance, as seen in many other countries.

2. Position of Mechatronic Engineering: The Mechatronic Engineering program is available at universities such as Atılım University, Bahçeşehir University, Sabancı University, Doğuş University, Eastern Mediterranean University, Kocaeli University, Fırat University, Erciyes University, Yıldız Technical University, and Sakarya University in Turkey. Internationally, universities such as the University of Portsmouth, University of Technology Delft in the Netherlands, University of California, University of Washington, University of Leeds, and University of Tokyo offer Mechatronic Engineering programs. These universities predominantly provide theory and design-focused education. In contrast, this program aims to provide not only the necessary theoretical knowledge but also application-oriented education to train highly skilled Mechatronic Engineers with the application knowledge and skills required by the industry.

3. Employment Status: Mechatronic Engineering is a multidisciplinary and integrated engineering branch that has emerged due to rapidly changing market conditions and customer expectations in our era of technological advancement. The information age we are in is moving towards the increasing preference for intelligent products/systems in product development processes and industry, where artificial intelligence, automation, control, and robot technologies are used. In this context, Mechatronic Engineers can work in any industrial organization involved in design and production, as academicians in universities, in research centers, and in R&D units and factories. Mechatronic Engineering is also a very suitable profession for creativity and entrepreneurship, allowing graduates to establish their own businesses and engage in original work related to advanced technology.

4. Conditions for Graduation: The duration of education is 4 years or 8 semesters. To graduate from the program, students must successfully complete 53 courses (167 credits, 209 hours), complete two internships, each lasting 24 working days, and successfully complete the Workplace Training in the seventh semester.

5. Internship Studies: Students are required to complete internships for 24 working days during the summer following the 4th and 6th semesters in industrial design, manufacturing, or R&D units. Additionally, they must undergo Workplace Training in the seventh semester. Initiatives for collaboration with Chambers of Commerce and Industry for internships and Workplace Training have begun and are ongoing.