Mechatronics and the Automated Future

Mechatronics means jobs in the age of automation.

The origins of Mechatronics date back to 1969 when the term was first coined by engineers Ko Kikuchi and Tetsuro Mori at Japanese company Yaskawa Electric Corp.

Mechatronics has gotten more attention in the past few years as companies and people realize the need for designing, building, maintaining, and improving electro-mechanical systems. It’s not a huge surprise. The level of interoperability between People, Process, and Technology continues to grow. This is a good thing.

Mechatronics means Jobs!

A few of the key factors of Mechatronics

1. Education – An advanced degree is not required.
2. Touch & Think – People get to work with their hands AND minds
3. Longevity – The last mile of automation (currently) needs The Human Touch

Let’s start with a definition:

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of science that includes a combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, systems engineering and control engineering.

Beyond the Definition

Because Mechatronics spans so many disciplines it’s hard to categorize it into one specific bucket. It’s also why I don’t think we’ll see a job description that specifically calls out the name in a job title. But, many jobs of the future will have it in their job description.

Listen to the show here – I start at the 43 minute mark
Listen to the whole show for the full impact

The jobs of the future that will include Mechatronics include everything and everyone that will design robotic systems; build automated. Manufacturing facilities; optimize and improve processes; work with multiple aspects of the business – Including front end and back end operations as well as management and executive roles.

Isn’t the term Mechatronics just a fancy name for a technician?

Perhaps there is some truth to that, but the fact is that Mechatronics is how the Modern Workforce engages the Model Factory.

In this segment of the Breakthrough Byte we explore the world of Mechatronics.

Where Are These Jobs?

While there will be jobs taken away in the areas where Mechatronics careers operate there will also be a lot of opportunities for jobs to be created, augmented, and extended.

The traditional large employers will hire Mechatronics engineers and professionals. I suspect there will also be a lot of small businesses that startup and fill gaps where they are needed. I predict Mechatronics will create a new wave of entrepreneurs. Especially as large companies seek to manage Capital Expenditures by using variable cost options that flexible mechatronics professionals can provide.

AI will eliminate 1.8M jobs but create 2.3M by 2020 ~ Gartner Dec 2017

Applications	Factories	Industries
Robots / Droids Warehouses (Amazon, Home Depot, Target, etc.) Inspectors – augmented and replacing 3D jobs	Building … Airplanes Autonomous Electric Vehicles (AEV’s) Durable Goods	Healthcare - Robotic assistants / assistance - Surgery Manufacturing Utilities and many others

Not to mention the jobs that are being done today in the Everyday World … maintining ATM’s, operating and maintaining Trains / Mass Transit, and facilities management that includes HVAC work, window washing, elevator maintenance, etc.

Key Takeaways

• Mechatronics will change the way people work with systems, automation, and robots
• Mechatronics will create jobs — today and tomorrow — for those that like to work with their hands and their minds
• Mechatronics is going to allow people to avoid the 3 D’s of Automation
• Using the principles of Mechatronics people will be creating the future of how people work together and with automated systems
• The human touch is a critical aspect of Mechatronics

As with every Breakthrough Byte segment I break it down into Pros, Cons and ROI. You may disagree with these points and if you do please drop a comment here so we can start a discussion.

Cons	Loss of 3D jobs – What Michio Kaku calls Dirty, Dull, and Dangerous Tasks Breaking Silos – This is a benefit, but can cause issues too Global – This continues the “Follow the Sun” model of working
Pros	Jobs – For people that like to work with their hands and their heads to solve problems Safer and more secure systems Reduced costs and increased access to … everything (Economies of Scale)
ROI	The Last Mile Needs Humans (today) Reducing costs across the board can be applied to the reduction of poverty, hunger and perhaps homelessness (We CAN think BIGGER) Soft Skills are still critical. Maximize the Time, Value, and Treasure of both humans and machines

Thanks for reading. If you want to continue the conversation … let’s go!

Additional Reading –

• Mechatronics | Everett Community College
• What is the difference between Robotics and Mechatronics
• Top Mechatronics Final Year Projects for Engineering Students
• 125+Updated List of Automation and Mechatronics projects

image credits: creativemechanical

---
Jeff is business advisor, mentor and community engagement expert. He brings over 20 years of Channel Sales, Partner Marketing and Alliance expertise to audiences around the world in speaking engagements and via his writing. He has worked for Microsoft, Kodak, and K2.

Connect with me on Twitter @jshuey

Or connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Google+

He is a contributing author to Entrepreneur, Elite Daily, Yahoo, US News and to
the Personal Branding Blog with over 250 articles published.