Mechatronics

by John Vanston, Henry Elliott, Jim Brazell, Eliza Evans, James Irwin, and Michael Bettersworth

Jul 01, 2007 Print Article
Download Full Report 

Order Hard Copy

By: John Vanston, Henry Elliott, Jim Brazell, Eliza Evans, James Irwin, & Michael Bettersworth.

Mechatronics is another way of saying “intelligent mechanical systems” and it is the foundation of many 21st century enabling technologies. Mechatronics involves the integration of mechanical and electrical systems with control systems and information technology.

Mechatronic products and processes are increasingly pervasive across a broad range of industries. These same industries are expressing a clear demand for highly skilled employees capable of excelling in these technologically advanced environments and competent in the multidisciplinary application of technologies associated with mechatronics. Colleges should to respond to these employer demands by updating curriculum and creating new courses and programs to serve this emerging technology workforce need.

The analysis and information resources provided in this report will aid colleges in developing Mechatronic programs and certificates. This publication includes an overview of mechatronic technology and analysis of related occupations and salaries, inventory of existing mechatronic curriculum and considerations for colleges considering developing related programs and lists of industry experts and mechatronics companies.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii
Preface ix
Executive Summary xi
Chapter One: Recommendations 1
Observations 1
Methodology 2
Recommendations for Community & Technical Colleges 3
Recommendation for the Texas Leadership Consortium for Curriculum Development CCD 6
Texas State Government 6
Conclusion 8
Chapter Two: Overview of Mechatronics 9
Current Status of Mechatronics 9
Mechatronics Trends-Drivers and Constraints 22
Chapter Three: Mechatronics Technicians 25
Mechatronics as a Career 25
Chapter Four: Initiating Mechatronics Programs in Texas Colleges 37
Demand for Formal Multidisciplinary Training 37
Relationship of Mechatronics to Existing CTC Programs 38
Texas State Technical College Harlingen Mechatronics Program 39
Challenge of Holistically Integrating Several Traditional Disciplines 41
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 42
Qualified Faculty 44
Laboratory Facilities 45
Importance of “Hands on Training” for Mechatronics Students 48
Thoughts on Mechatronics Program Initiation 51
Chapter Five: Support for Mechatronics Program Development 53
Relevant Information from Government and Trade Association Sources 53
Relevant Information from Existing Mechatronics Programs 53
Chapter Six: Conclusions 67
List of Appendices
Appendix A: Survey 71
Appendix B: Experts Consulted 79
Appendix C: Recommendation of Texas State Leadership Consortium for Curriculum Development 83
Appendix D: Mechatronics Company Directory 85
Appendix E: Select K-12 Mechatronics Programs 99
Bibliography 105
Download Full Report
Order Hard Copy $24.95
Forecasts

About the authors

John Vanston

Dr. John Vanston is an internationally-renowned consultant, educator, and author in the fields of technology forecasting, emerging trends, technology/market integration, and technology management in uncertain environments. He founded Technology Futures, Inc. (TFI) in 1978, and served as its president for 14 years, building the Austin, Texas-based company into a leader in the technology forecasting, planning, and management fields.

Dr. Vanston has conducted research, consulting, and education projects for a wide range of commercial, government, and academic organizations, including, among many others, Chevron Chemical, Kodak, Boeing, Nortel, National Security Agency, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and the Texas State Technical College System.

Prior to establishing TFI, Dr. Vanston served as a professor of nuclear engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He also served as deputy director of the University's Center for Energy Studies, an interdisciplinary organization that he helped establish in 1974. Earlier, Dr. Vanston served as a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army.
Henry Elliott

Henry Elliott is a research consultant at Autin-based Technology Futures Inc. where he has worked on projects involving the valuation of IT solutions companies, analysis of emerging technology paradigms, sustainable economic development, and the study of emerging industry and technology trends.

Prior to joining TFI, Mr. Elliott was a co-founder of Nanotechnologies Inc., an Austin-based startup nanomaterials company where he did strategic market analysis and established relationships with strategic partners. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Materials Research Society and the International Microelectronics and Packaging Society. Mr. Elliott received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jim Brazell

Jim Brazell is a technology forecaster, strategist and public speaker focusing on innovation and transformation. From 2003-2008, Jim’s work includes serving as an analyst to the Innovation Creativity and Capital Institute, University of Texas Austin and the Texas State Technical College System. Specific projects included technology/jobs forecasting, research on emerging international high technology regions, international technology commercialization, community forums on STEM and workforce creativity, and video games for learning in defense and workforce initiatives.

Eliza Evans

Dr. Evans' background includes public policy analysis and evaluation of education and workforce development programs with an emphasis on math and science education. Eliza has directed efforts to identify, evaluate, and exploit emerging technology opportunities in the areas of clean energy, nano and biotechnology, wireless, photovoltaics, and digital convergence. These efforts improved the sustainability of regional innovation systems by: 1) distilling and communicating the value of complex technologies and industries to diverse audiences with varied interests, 2) creating new information and analytical tools to provide a platform for cross-sector understanding and collaboration, and 3) creating a civic infrastructure for supporting new technology enterprise. Geographic focus has included the United States, Mexico, India, China, Russia, and western Europe. She holds a PhD and MA in Economic Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA from Oberlin College.

James Irwin
Michael Bettersworth

Michael Bettersworth is the associate vice chancellor for technology advancement at Texas State Technical College and founding director of TSTC Forecasting since its launch in 2002. TSTC Forecasting identifies new competencies needed by employers so that college curriculum can be updated to enhance the employability of college graduates and ensure a superiorly skilled workforce for Texas employers. This work has led to the development of new technology courses, certificates, and degree programs offered at colleges throughout the State of Texas and funding for talent pipeline development through new capacity building and student scholarship grant funds.

Submit Ideas