The Mechanical and Mechatronic Design Studio is offered as an undergraduate subject for final year students. It aims to teach students modern design methods by applying engineering knowledge to authentic engineering problems with an emphasis on the design project and realistic team-client-end user interactions.
Mechanical and Mechatronic Design
Text on screen: Mechanical and Mechatronic Showcase
So all the projects are a bit different. They call come from industry, so it depends on what our client is after. Sometimes that’ll be solving a real-world problem with a mechanical solution, a mechatronic solution. The client might be after a report, a feasibility analysis or they might actually want a full, working prototype of some mechatronic system. So that’s what’s really great about this subject is that every single project is different.
For this subject Mechanical and Mechatronic Design, I’ve been working on a project with my group to design a new transmission system for a trolley for that they’re making for UTS CAS.
The impact on students, they get to apply their engineering skills to real professional projects. They get to solve real-world engineering problems with actual clients. And industry-wise, they get to work with up and coming engineers and often get a lot of creative designs from the students.
Probably something I’ve enjoyed [the] most has been being really hands-on and doing lots of prototypes, as well as engaging with the client and constantly updating the design concept.
What I’ve enjoyed the most about the subject is how professional it is. So the students get to interact with the client and learn how to communicate with people before they graduate, that’s so important.
I think the fact that it’s real, the fact that you’re dealing with real people, that there’s motivation to get across deliverables because you want them to be happy, obviously. Yeah, that’s quite motivating.
I think the industry should get involved with the subject because there’s a lot to offer. I think industries are often looking for young talent, and this is the place to go. There’s no better place to showcase their talent and hard work in this subject than through an interview or scouting them through a networking event.
It’s led to quite a few interesting outcomes. We’ve had students go on to do internships with companies, to have job opportunities and we’ve had industry come back again and again, building upon the projects that the students do semester in and semester out.
One brief, 12 weeks, teams of 4–6 students
Working in teams with fellow senior students and under the guidance of industry and faculty mentors and coaches, you’ll deliver solutions for problems posed by industry.
GET INVOLVED
Teams are made up of four to six members who are selected based on the individual’s strengths and interests in order to create a cohesive group with a diverse skillset for your project. Students will also have industry mentors who will spend one to two hours weekly, face-to-face collaborating with them on your project.
You will use design methodologies taught in the subject to develop engineering solutions that solve genuine, real-world problems with clients allocated to your team.
Combined with your practical experience working with your client, you will also document your process and present them to a panel of professional industry partners and academics throughout the semester.
What are some of the previous projects?
Teams have worked on industry-engaged projects that include product design for clients, developing and refining automotive systems, manufacturing, as well as research-based deliverables.
Information for students
Eligibility
Mechanical and Mechatronic Design is a senior year subject offered for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in the following:
- Mechanical
- Mechatronic
- Mechanical and Mechatronic
Information for partners
We’re constantly on the lookout for new partnerships to expand our network and Industry Studio Program experience, to showcase our students’ talents and expertise gained throughout their time studying at UTS.
Industry Studio program benefits
- Meaningful outcomes – senior students, equipped with skills and knowledge of design, prototype creative proof of concept solutions under the guidance and leadership of academics using UTS’ cutting edge technology and world class facilities.
- Time and resource – save in-house development time by allowing students to design and prototype new ideas for feasibility and analysis.
- Engagement – leverage the opportunity for your company to engage with students and build your influence and reach throughout the session and at the End of Session Showcase.
- Professional development – give your staff the opportunity to gain professional mentoring experience.
- Social impact – be part of preparing students for the future of work.
- Source talent – network with top-talent, engaged and highly motivated students. Observe their performance and cultural fit.
Our facilities
UTS ProtoSpace
Our advanced additive manufacturing lab, located in Building 7.
UTS Tech Lab
UTS Tech Lab is a multidisciplinary research facility that supports bespoke industry-led partnerships designed to drive innovation and growth in engineering and IT.
UTS Data Arena
Our 360-degree interactive data visualisation facility located in Building 11.
Software Development Studio
It’s a unique teaching and learning environment at UTS, built to emulate a real software development practice. Find us at CB11.05.402.
Image: Anna Zhu
Meet the academic
Dr Marc Carmichael
Senior Lecturer, School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Core Member, CAS – Centre for Autonomous Systems
Marc Carmichael received his B.Eng. Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (2008) and PhD degree (2013) in the area of robotics from the University of Technology Sydney. He joined the UTS Centre for Autonomous Systems (UTS CAS) as a Lecturer in 2016. Learn more about Marc
