What it is
Mechatronics, robotics & automation engineering combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to build robots and automated systems — a fast-growing field driving modern manufacturing and technology.
What you'll study
All engineering builds a rigorous math-and-science core, then specializes:
- Year 1–2Calculus, differential equations, physics, chemistry, intro engineering
- Year 2–3Core engineering science and robotics, control systems, sensors, and embedded programming
- Year 3–4Advanced discipline courses, labs, and a capstone design project
- ThroughoutDesign, teamwork, and often co-ops/internships (many programs ABET-accredited)
Concentrations & focus areas
- RoboticsRobots & manipulators
- Automation / ControlAutomated systems
- Sensors / ActuatorsMotion & sensing
- Embedded SystemsControl software
- Industrial AutomationManufacturing
- Autonomous SystemsSelf-driving & drones
Skills you'll build
Engineers build a powerful, transferable skill set:
- Analytical problem-solvingBreaking down hard problems
- Math & modelingQuantitative rigor
- DesignCreating and testing solutions
- Technical softwareDiscipline-specific tools
- Teamwork & communicationProjects and clients
Careers & job titles
This discipline leads to roles such as:
- Robotics / automation engineerRobots & systems
- Controls engineerAutomation
- Mechatronics engineerIntegrated systems
- Embedded / firmware engineerControl software
- Manufacturing automation engineerProduction
- R&D engineerAutonomous systems
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects the architecture & engineering group to grow faster than average, with about 174,800 openings a year. Mechatronics/robotics is growing with the automation wave across manufacturing, automotive, and tech. Engineering skills are in demand across industry, technology, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Engineering pays well above average. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles map to mechanical (~$102,320) and electrical (~$118,780) engineering medians — versus the all-occupation median of about $50,980. Earnings rise with experience, a graduate degree, and (in many fields) the Professional Engineer (PE) license; senior engineers, specialists, and managers earn well into six figures.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's (BEng/BS) is the entry credential; a master's deepens specialization and a PhD leads research. The PE license matters in many fields.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you enjoy math and science, like designing and building solutions, and want a well-paid, respected profession with strong job security.
Worth knowing: engineering is rigorous, and many roles benefit from the PE license (via the FE exam, experience, and the PE exam). Internships and co-ops strongly boost early careers.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusRobots & automated systems
- StudyRobotics, control, sensors, embedded programming
- BlendMechanical + electrical + computer
- OutlookGrowing with automation (BLS)
- Pay~$102,320–$118,780 (BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: