THE Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), has forced more and more industries and manufacturers to integrate automation and intelligent systems for operational and production efficiency.
Without a doubt, this requires talents with knowledge from multidisciplinary fields on top of a combination of robotics, automatics, digital informatics and telecommunication systems.
To nurture such talents, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) offers a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering with Honours degree programme and a Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering programme.
“The newly launched Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering programme offers seamless integration into APU’s bachelor’s degree programmes and hones student skills in pivotal pillars of IR4.0, truly unleashing their potential and creating an impact on themselves and society.
Graduates will also enjoy the benefit of being registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), a signatory of the Dublin Accord (DA) – a recognised qualification for practice as an engineering technician within an engineering team,” said Assoc Prof Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan, APU School of Engineering head.
Globally recognised engineering degree
APU’s Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering with Honours degree programme is accredited by BEM under the Washington Accord (WA) and is fully aligned with the other 21 countries on the same platform in providing engineering education.
This programme also has all the required Mechanical Engineering core subjects embedded within its curriculum as part of the fulfilment of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology/ Engineering Accreditation Commission (ABET/ EAC) regulations or standards.
Robotics and automation learning
Mechatronic Engineering is a branch of engineering that makes any existing systems smarter. It equips students with the knowledge and skills essential for IR4.0 and its core pillars and allows them to completely immerse themselves in robotics and automation practice.
Students undertaking other engineering specialisations at APU also have a “taste” of these two areas as part of the common core modules. For instance, a robotics-related module “Machine Vision and Intelligence” is offered in Electrical and Electronics (EEE), Telecommunication (TE) and Computer Engineering (CE) programmes.
Notably, all engineering degree programmes are dual awards by APU and De Montfort University (DMU), UK. Students will receive two degree certificates and transcripts upon graduation – a BEng from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, and an MEng from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.
According to Assoc Prof Dr Thang Ka Fei, APU School of Technology senior head, “Mechatronic Engineering learning encompasses four areas – Mechanical, Electronics, Computing and Control. In addition, APU’s well-equipped laboratories on robotics and automation enable students to complete hands-on assignments and develop their final year projects.”
Industry level robotic research studies @ APCoRE
The Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics Engineering (APCoRE) was designed to put theory into practice. Its outputs have a potential impact on the medical, retail and service sectors. A robotic exoskeleton that improves ambulation and enhances mobility for individuals with different types of neurological disabilities was a success story here. Another project is the Virtual Operated Robotic Arm (VORA).
APCoRE has further delved into Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) projects via instigation of data computer-aided-design (CAD) software and 3-D object printers/scanners onto direct hardware to then deposit material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes.
Via APCoRE and its student members, APU has driven STEM education by introducing Robotics and Engineering at 78 national schools across Malaysia between 2014-2019 jointly with the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE-UK).
“APCoRE is open to all APU students, regardless of their study programmes, fields or levels, as long as they have an active interest in robotics. This centre provides an opportunity to plan, implement and execute for participation in competitions, exhibitions and real tests of skills.
At APU, engineering undergraduate programmes are focused on imparting fundamental engineering knowledge, practical and experimentation, and graduate employability skills which are closely integrated with teaching and learning, and assessments,” added Dr Thang.
Career path for Mechatronic Engineering graduates
To ensure students are future-ready, APU’s Mechatronic Engineering undergraduate programme also offers modules like Programming with Python, Engineering Software and Applications, Digital Electronics and Industrial Automation. This ultimately converts them into multi-skilled engineers who enjoy versatility in career options.
Careers for mechatronics engineers is almost endless, spanning mechanical, electrical and computer engineering.
This new breed of engineers has to work in a hybrid manner in an industry where the complexity of projects is rising and resources are limited. Therefore, graduates of this discipline are sought after for management positions as well because of their diverse skills and overall knowledge of state-of-the-art technology.
The employability strength of APU’s graduates has been officially endorsed in the latest Annual Graduate Tracer Study by the Higher Education Ministry, 100% of APU graduates were employed upon graduation.
■ For more information, log on to www.apu.edu.my
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