What Is Mechatronics? Meaning, Examples, Jobs, and Degrees

Mechatronics Defined in Plain Words

Mechatronics is the study and practice of building machines that think and move. It joins mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer control into one discipline, so a single person understands how the gears, the wiring, and the code all work together.

The name blends "mechanics" and "electronics." It is usually credited to Tetsuro Mori, an engineer at the Japanese company Yaskawa Electric, who used it in 1969 to describe motion equipment run by electronic controls. Today the idea covers almost every automated machine you can name.

The Five Parts of a Mechatronic System

Every mechatronic system, from a desktop 3D printer to a bottling line, is built from the same handful of building blocks.

• Mechanical structure: frames, gears, belts, joints, and the moving parts that do the physical work
• Sensors: devices that measure position, speed, temperature, force, or images and report what is happening
• Actuators: motors, valves, and cylinders that turn a command into motion
• Controller: a microcontroller or programmable logic controller (PLC) that reads the sensors and decides what the actuators should do
• Software and interface: the program logic and the screen or panel a person uses to run the machine

Together they form a loop. Sensors report, the controller decides, actuators move, and the sensors check the result. If you want to see how the controller piece works, our beginner guide to PLC programming walks through it.

Everyday Examples of Mechatronics

Once you know what to look for, mechatronics is everywhere.

• Cars: anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and power steering all sense wheel behavior and adjust in milliseconds
• Homes: robot vacuums, automatic garage doors, and printers
• Factories: industrial robot arms, conveyors, CNC machines, and automated packaging equipment
• Healthcare: infusion pumps and surgical robots
• Warehouses: automated sorting systems and mobile robots that move inventory

What You Study in a Mechatronics Program

Programs differ by level, but most cover the same core subjects: circuits and electronics, mechanical systems, programming, sensors and instrumentation, motors and drives, and PLCs. Bachelor's programs add more math, controls theory, and design projects. Technician programs spend more time in the lab wiring, programming, and troubleshooting real equipment.

For a course-by-course look at each credential level, read the mechatronics degree requirements guide.

Mechatronics Jobs and Pay

Careers in the field split into two tracks. Technicians keep automated equipment running. The mechatronics technician role reports under BLS code 17-3024, with a national median wage of $73,900 and a top-10% wage above $109,890 (May 2025). Related roles include the robotics technician and the automation technician.

Engineers design the systems. There is no separate BLS category for mechatronics engineers, so people usually look at neighboring titles. Mechanical engineers have a national median of $104,100, and electrical engineers $120,600 (May 2025). Explore the controls engineer and automation engineer profiles to see where graduates land. Our guide to mechatronics jobs covers more titles.

Ways to Study Mechatronics

You can enter the field at several levels. A certificate is the quickest start, an associate degree is the standard technician credential, and a bachelor's degree opens engineering roles. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn. Compare options in these rankings:

• Best mechatronics certificate programs for the fastest start
• Best mechatronics associate programs for the technician route
• Best mechatronics bachelor's programs for the engineering route
• Best online mechatronics programs if you need flexibility

Is Mechatronics a Good Fit for You?

It tends to suit people who like taking things apart, figuring out why they stopped working, and seeing code turn into motion. You do not need to be an expert at any single subject first. If you are weighing cost against payoff, see whether a mechatronics degree is worth it, and if you are comparing majors, read mechatronics vs mechanical engineering.

Mechatronics FAQ

Sources: Wage figures from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release (SOC 17-3024 Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians; SOC 17-2141 Mechanical Engineers; SOC 17-2071 Electrical Engineers).