The program began with the Fall 2024 semester and is an offering of the school’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Oakland University has launched a new degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering. The program is designed to prepare students to work in fields that merge computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The program started with the Fall 2024 semester and is within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in partnership with the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
According to an article on Oakland University’s website, Professor Osamah Rawashdeh, who serves as the chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, explained what mechatronics and robotics are, and how they can be brought together in technology careers. Rawashdeh is quoted as saying, “Mechatronics and robotics are transforming many sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare and manufacturing. Mechatronics integrates mechanics, electronics, software and control systems, creating solutions that are reliable, adaptable and cost-effective. Robotics, on the other hand, focuses on designing intelligent systems that interact with and adapt to their Environments. Together, they create the foundation for a rapidly advancing technological landscape.”
This new bachelor degree program provides students with hands-on learning experiences, research opportunities, and the opportunity to participate in the career pipeline available due to Oakland University’s proximity to the state’s automotive and manufacturing industries. While pursuing the Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering program, students will have the option to select a concentration to further specialize their studies. Available concentrations include Automotive Mechatronic Systems, Autonomous Vehicles, Electric Drives, Human-Robot Interaction, Industrial Robotic, and Intelligent Controls.
Rawashdeh explained the various careers that can be pursued with the knowledge and skills students will gain via the Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering degree, saying, “As robotics engineers, for example, program graduates will design and deploy sophisticated robotic systems in healthcare, manufacturing and beyond. As automation specialists, they will be able to drive efficiency and innovation in production by optimizing automated processes. In roles as mechatronics engineers or control systems engineers, they will integrate mechanical, electrical and computing systems to create innovative, reliable solutions in fields like aerospace, mobility and renewable energy. As technology continues to evolve, opportunities will expand for human-machine interaction and embodied AI professionals, driving change and meeting industry demands in these transformative fields.”
For more information about Oakland University, visit the school’s website.