Mechatronic Devices
Mechatronic devices are electro-mechanical systems that combine hardware and software components to create smart and automated machines.
They typically include mechanical, electronic, and computing elements that work together to achieve a specific function or set of functions. Examples of mechatronic devices include robots, automated machines, and autonomous vehicles.
These devices often use a combination of sensors, actuators, microprocessors, and communication interfaces to sense and respond to their environment, and perform their intended tasks with minimal human intervention.
Factory Automation
Factory automation refers to the use of various technologies and systems to control and operate industrial machinery and processes typically found in discrete manufacturing plants.
This may include the use of robots, sensors, computer systems, and software programs to streamline production, increase efficiency, and reduce the need for human intervention. The goal of factory automation is to improve productivity, quality, and safety while reducing costs and increasing profitability for the manufacturing company.
Process Automation
Process automation refers to the use of various technologies and systems to control and operate industrial machinery and processes typically found in continuous processes.
This may include the use of sensors, computer systems, and software programs to streamline the continuous production process, increase efficiency, and reduce the need for human intervention.
The goal of process automation is to improve productivity, quality, and safety while reducing costs and increasing profitability for the continuous process plant.
Discipline Specific Training Guidelines (DSTG) – Mechatronics
All persons applying for registration as a Professional Engineering Technician, a Professional Engineering Technologist or Professional Engineer, are expected to demonstrate the competencies specified through work performed by the applicant at the prescribed level of responsibility.
This document supplements the generic Training and Mentoring Guide and the Guide to the Competency Standards for Professional Engineering Technicians, Professional Engineering Technologists and Professional Engineers respectively.
Your attention is drawn to the following documented requirements:
- Duration of training and length of time working at level required for registration
- Principles of planning, training and experience
- Progression of training programme
- Documenting Training and Experience
- Demonstrating responsibility
An understanding of the competency standards form an essential basis for this discipline-specific guide.
Code of Practice for the Performance of Mechatronic Work
A Code of Practice is a set of guidelines or standards that define the ways in which a certain activity or profession should be conducted. It serves as a framework for ethical behavior and ensures that everyone involved follows a set of agreed-upon rules and principles. A Code of Practice typically sets out a range of standards that dictate the behaviors and responsibilities of those involved in a given activity, or those who belong to a particular profession. This can include anything from ethical considerations, safety guidelines, and other important factors that should be considered in order to complete tasks in the best possible way. A good Code of Practice is usually created through collaboration between professionals and practitioners in the relevant field, as well as regulatory bodies, government agencies, or other relevant stakeholders. Typically, it is designed to be flexible enough to allow for unique situations and circumstances, but also firm enough to ensure consistency and compliance from all parties involved. Overall, a Code of Practice is an essential part of any profession or activity that involves ethics, safety, or other important standards. By adhering to a set of guidelines, practitioners can ensure that they are providing quality services to their clients or customers, while also meeting their own personal and professional obligations.
A. SCOPE and APPLICATION
Regarding scope and application, the Code
- applies to the discipline of Mechatronic Engineering and its sub-disciplines;
- identifies specific engineering work within the Mechatronic Engineering field;
- classifies mechatronic engineering work according to the complexity of the work and its sensitivity with respect to public safety and environmental stewardship. It must be acknowledged that all mechatronic engineering work involves risk due to the nature of the discipline.
- sets out the level of competence required by persons registered in any of the categories of registration provided for in Section 18.1 of the Act for the performance of mechatronic engineering work of varying complexity; and
- stipulates requirements for the practice of mechatronic engineering work and provides a statement of recognised good practice.
Where a Code or Act is referenced in this document, the latest version thereof shall apply.
B PURPOSE
In terms of the Standards Act, No 8 of 2008 (Republic of South Africa, 2008), “a code of practice” is a description of:
- the terminology to be used.
- the method to be applied or the procedure to be followed.
- the material to be used.
any other requirements to be met (e.g. competency) in connection with the execution in an orderly, systematic, practical, efficient, safe and effective manner.
This document defines a set of guidelines that outlines the following accepted practices and standards for the mechatronics engineering discipline:
- Establishes a set of ethical and professional standards that define acceptable conduct, behavior and practices in mechatronics engineering.
- It serves as a benchmark for mechatronic engineering practitioners
- It provides a way to ensure that all members are held accountable to the same standards of conduct. Refer to the ECSA Codes of Conduct.
- It provides a framework for members to adhere to and enables stakeholders, including clients, customers, and the public, to have confidence that the profession or industry is ethically and responsibly managed.
