2. Answer the questions to the text a.

1. How long does it take to become a bachelor in mechatronics engineering?

2. What is the origin of the term ‘mechatronics?

3. How is it defined now?

4. What subjects do students study to become skilled mechatronics engineers?

5. What is the role of research work in training future mechatronics engineers?

3. Fill in the gaps with appropriate words (from the word list to the text A)

1. To become a … … … mechatronics engineer one has to take a 4- or 5-year University course and obtain … … … knowledge in fundamentals of the profession.

2. I have to see my academic advisor to discuss the topic of my future … … … .

3. Students of our department study both … … … subjects and … … … .

4. At the students’… … … that are … … … with up-to-date apparatuses and … … … , future engineers can practice in their profession.

5. Mechatronics is the field that … … … mechanical and electronic disciplines.

6. Mechatronics … … … a large number of technologies, such as … … … and sensors, motion … … …, etc.

7. It is known that … … … of the future engineers is developed through carrying out … … … work, reading scientific literature, and working in the scientific centres during University studies.

4. Read and translate the text Text b. Mechatronics Engineering

precision engineering – точное машиностроение

mechanical engineering – машиностроение, инженерная механика

electrical engineering – электротехника

power system – система энергоснабжения

biomedical engineering – биомедицинская техника

CNC (=computerized and numerically controlled) machine tool – станок с ЧПУ

collision detection – обнаружение возможных столкновений

global positioning system (GPS) – глобальная навигационная система

robotic system – роботизированная система

software engineering – разработка программного обеспечения

dishwasher – посудомоечная машина

motor vehicles – автотранспортные средства

manufacturing plant – производственное предприятие

surgical devices – хирургические инструменты

graduate – выпускник (вуза)

design engineer – инженер-проектировщик

software engineer – инженер-программист

project planner – специалист по подготовке проекта

product designer – разработчик изделия

project manager – начальник производства

W hat is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics refers to the efficient and effective integration of mechanical systems and electronics. It is a blend of mechanics and electronics, and has come to mean the synergistic use of precision engineering, control theory, computer science, mathematics, sensor technology to design enhanced or "smart" products, processes and systems. It integrates the classical fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, and computer science/information technology. Its application areas range from power systems to transportation, optical telecommunications, biomedical engineering, etc. Mechatronic systems are almost everywhere you look: computers, disk drives, photocopiers, fax machines, washing machines, CNC machine tools, robots, etc. Today’s modern cars are also mechatronics product with the usage of electronic engine management system, collision detection, global positioning system, and others. The future is virtually unlimited for mechatronics, and much of it is here today. Robotic systems and components are already as small as a few microns and researchers are investigating nano-technologies using mechatronic systems for implantation into the human body to repair or replace damaged physiological functions. The next two decades will see an explosion of automated mechatronic systems infiltrating our lives more and more every year – improving our quality of life and our knowledge of the world and universe we live in.

What do Mechatronics Engineers do?

Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical and software engineering in the design, development and control of diverse systems used in a range of industries including manufacturing, medicine and the service industries. Examples of mechatronic systems include aircraft, dishwashers, motor vehicles, automated manufacturing plants, medical and surgical devices and systems, robots of all types, many toys, artificial organs and many others. Mechatronics engineers are therefore involved in almost every possible industry at levels from applications development to manufacturing and advanced research.

Where do Mechatronics Engineers work?

Graduates with a Mechatronics degree can take up careers in a wide spectrum of industries including robotics, aerospace, chemical, defense, automotive, and manufacturing industries where complex software plays a major role, as well as in businesses that require extensive computer support, such as banking and commerce. Contributions can be made to these industries in a variety of roles including design engineer, software engineer, project planner, product designer and project manager.