The advancement of technology is driving towards embedded electronics, sensors and actuators. We are all becoming accustomed to automation, elecronics and sensors being a part of our day to day lives. This is where the Mechatronics Engineer comes into the picture.
Human-Robot Interaction
Industrial Automation and Robotics
Manufacturing
MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems), Nanoscience & Nanoengineering
What can you do in
Mechatronics?
During your Undergraduate Degree
There are a number of opportunities for Mechatronics Option students to not only focus their studies in the classroom, but apply their knowledge in extra curricular projects. There are a multitude of student teams that offer Mechatronics students with exposure to their area of interest. From soccer playing robots to autonomous sailboats, joining students teams offers Mechatronics Option students the ability to do something fun and expand their classroom knowledge.
Labs in the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program expose Mechatronics Option students to a variety of applications of their specialization. The Mechatronics program is highly customized and offers a mixture of mechanical, electrical and computer labs.
After your Undergraduate Degree
Mechatronics Option students have the option to either take graduate studies or go straight into industry.
Graduate Programs
After graduation, mechatronics students are well positioned to pursue an M.A.Sc. (research-focused) or M.Eng. (industry-focused) in mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering. An undergraduate degree from UBC opens the door to graduate studies across Canada and around the world. Our various graduate programs provide research opportunities for students interested in mechatronics. Some areas of interest are:
- Automation
- Intelligent Systems
- Metal Cutting
- Metal Forming
- Production Engineering
- Robotics
We also offer an M.Eng program specificially for Mechatronics Option students. Students may also pursue their M.A.Sc or Ph.D and specialize in Mechatronics and Manufacturing.
Industry
Those interested in Mechatronics are able to work in a variety of fields: industrial automation, intelligent systems, manufacturing, robotics and more. Graduates of the mechatronics program are in high demand in industry. Companies such as the ones below hire mechatronics graduates:
| Company | Headquarters | Industry |
| Avigilon Corporation | Vancouver, BC | High definition surveillance |
| Ballard | Burnaby, BC | Fuel cells |
| Bosch | Stuttgart, Germany | Automotive components, household appliances |
| Canadian Space Agency | Saint-Hubert, Quebec | Canada’s space program |
| MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) | Richmond, BC | Space robotics, satellites |
| Maxon Motor | Sachseln, Switzerland | Motors |
| Mori Seiki | Nagoya, Japan | CNC machines |
| Royal Dutch Shell | The Hague, Netherlands | Oil and gas |
| Sierra Wireless | Richmond, BC | Wireless communication equipment |
| Teleflex | Limerick, Pennsylvania | Medical devices |
| Westport Innovations | Vancouver, BC | Natural gas engines and related tech |
Students are also encouraged to enroll in the Co-op program to get industry experience during their undergrad. Many students even get hired by their co-op employers after graduation.
