Mechatronics – and Expanded View
Traditionally, Mechatronics has been understood as an integration of mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. When the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) requested the SAIMC to draft the Discipline-Specific Training Guide (DSTG) for Mechatronics, it was necessary to consider the impending requirement for compulsory professional registration with ECSA.
The Mechatronics DSTG covers:
- Mechatronic Devices
- Factory Automation
- Process Automation
REASONING
The SAIMC conducted an investigation into the curricula of various tertiary education programs and concluded that since factory and process automation were not recognized as independent engineering disciplines, it was essential to determine whether these areas could be incorporated into the Mechatronics DSTG or if they would be more appropriately categorized under another engineering discipline’s DSTG.
Factory and process automation encompass elements such as computer programming, process engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and information technology. After thorough deliberation, and considering that practitioners in process and factory automation would soon be subject to mandatory professional registration, it was decided that these areas should be included in the Mechatronics DSTG. This decision was further supported by the fact that Mechatronics education covers much of the relevant theoretical knowledge required by process automation and factory automation practitioners.
A significant rationale for this inclusion was that during the professional assessment phase, Mechatronics professionals would be better equipped to evaluate the practical competence of candidates specializing in factory and process automation than professionals from purely electrical or mechanical backgrounds.
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.
Eng. Discipline: Mechatronics
Sub Disciplines
- Mechatronic Devices
- Factory Automation
- Process Automation
Discipline Specific Training Guidelines (DSTG)
- DSTG: Mechatronics Engineering (Engineer)
- DSTG: Mechatronics Engineering (Technologist)
- DSTG: Mechatronics Engineering (Technician)
Code of Practice
To assist you, we have added the following documents that will play a major role in your assessment.
