The development of a mechatronics design course

The paper is devoted to the development and teaching of mechatronics design at tertiary level as part of mechatronic engineering degrees. The subject focuses on the uniqueness of intelligent machines and the course curriculum on mechatronics design. A general course layout and proposed subject contents are briefly explained. Mechatronics Design is a core subject that deals with the design, development and manufacturing, as well as exploring intelligent machines/systems with high-level hierarchies of intelligence. These intelligent machines or systems are capable of making decisions, activating tasks and carrying out responsibilities. As such, the contents of this subject must consist of a synergistic multidisciplinary approach. This includes materials like systematic design techniques, the development of intelligent control systems, system sensibility and the growing multi-human-like intelligence of machines and systems. Programmable controllers, microcontrollers, micro-electro-mechanical machines, adaptive fuzzy logic controllers based on neural network are most suitable for the design and development of mechatronics products. A main objective of the subject is to develop those students' skills required for the design of intelligent machines and systems with high levels of hierarchical intelligence.