In The News

Twofer: SC State offering new mechatronics engineering major to meet industry demands

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Two engineers for the price of one.

That’s the benefit of a new academic major at South Carolina State University.

The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Transportation (STEM-T) has launched a degree program in mechatronics engineering, a discipline that merges mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.

“Now industries are looking for engineering graduates who have background in both areas,” said Dr. Hasanul A. Basher, professor and chairman of SC State’s Department of Engineering Technology. “There is no industry where mechanical is needed but not electrical or where electrical is needed but not mechanical.”

The field also includes advanced control systems to design, build and operate smart systems and processes. Basher said modern mechatronics may integrate elements of aviation, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and cybersecurity.

Mechatronics engineers work on the design, testing and manufacturing of smart systems in areas such as robotics, medical and assistive technology, human-machine interaction, manufacturing, and unmanned aerial and ground vehicles.

[read more | source: SC State University]