The Automated Systems Technology – Mechatronics associate degree provides students with the skills needed to work as technicians in a wide variety of industries, ranging from power generation plants to mail and package processing centers – essentially any industry that uses automated machinery. The program allows students to gain knowledge in all areas of automated operations.

"Multitasking is now the reality," said Peter Klein, associate dean of Engineering Technology at Macomb. "In one facility, there used to be, say, 28 disciplines; now there are as few as seven or eight. Today’s employers require people with a broad base of knowledge."

In the Mechatronics program, students will learn how to program, troubleshoot and operate automated equipment. The college has created a learning laboratory at South Campus in Warren which features seven automated mechanical stations that students use to gain practical hands-on experience. As part of the program, students will learn how to link the stations to create a small automated assembly line.

"Macomb Community College is a national leader in developing programs like Mechatronics," said Paul Perkins, president of Amatrol, the company that designed and built the machines the college uses in the Mechatronics lab. "Schools like Macomb have to lead the way in providing this type of hands-on training, which is clearly needed today in business and industry."

In addition to preparing graduates for immediate employment, the Mechatronics program will also provide a strong foundation for those students who choose to continue their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology.

"Students can earn a certificate from Macomb and work in any one of several automated industries or they can earn an associate’s degree and transfer into a program to earn a bachelor’s degree," Klein said.

Media Contact: Dan Heaton

June 19, 2008 586.445.7271

e-mail: heatond@macomb.edu