The development of today’s and tomorrow’s products demands, all the more often, an optimised combination of electromechanical solutions and embedded systems (integrated electronics and software). The aim of the course is for the student to use the knowledge and skills obtained from previous courses and independently identify solutions for complex mechatronic assignments. The course consists of two parts. The first one is the development of a concept, based on technical specifications originating from a real industrial problem (the concept will be implemented into a working industrial prototype in another optional course). This concept development is carried out by a Mechatronics team with mixed competences covering all relevant areas, including at least one Electrical Engineering student and one Mechanical Engineering student. The second part of the course consists on an individual assignment to construct a complete mechatronic system to control a DC motor from a PC, including the communication with the PC, design and assembly of the necessary circuit boards, programming of microcontrollers, sensor technology and automatic control strategies. The system is built in a lab open 24/7 where cooperation is encouraged, although the final examination is on an individual basis.

The course aims at giving deeper competences / detailed knowledge within different fields, such as mechanical engineering (including mechanical design, choice of materials and machine parts), product design methodology (from demand to concept, including the entire product life cycle), electromechanical energy conversion, electronics, and control. This broadness allows for a better understanding of the problems and possibilities in adjacent disciplines (other than your own) – what can and cannot be achieved, and what kind of expertise is required depending on the problem at hand – which results in enhanced ability to cooperate cross-disciplinary, which is essential in the development of attractive, cost-effective and reliable products.