04.April.2024 Digitalisation in Mechatronics. University of Johannesburg

Digitalisation is a widely discussed topic today. It involves incorporating digital solutions like Smart sensors, AI, and more into existing systems. In this discussion, I explore the connection between digitalisation and Mechatronics among University professionals and students. Since mechatronics encompasses various specialised fields, it is important to understand how digitalisation is integrated into these areas. To illustrate this, let's consider a basic example: a watch. Initially, watches were simple devices powered by a battery that operated an oscillator to rotate the needles. Different gear sizes were used to indicate the hours, minutes, and seconds. However, today's watches are digitalised. They are equipped with numerous sensors and can connect to a mobile app to monitor your heartbeat, running pace, and other activities. This is just the beginning, as technologists are actively developing smart watches that can track gestures and translate into text. The impact of digitalisation on professionals in Mechatronics is significant. There is a growing gap between what we learn in school and the designs we work on in our professional careers.

13.March.2015 Mecharonics episode

iSpani shares the many layers of employment and career planning with young, unemployed viewers trying to get onto the world of work. Once the candidate has some shadowing experience and coaching they are tasked to carry out the functions they have shadowed. For many this is the real test, they are thrown in and have to sink or swim; some will find employment, some will change their goals, but all will leave the show with a deeper understanding of the career under the microscope and how to best find a position that will be more than 'just a job'. "This episode sheds light on the less known about career of Mechatronics. It also looks at the journey of a young ambitious Vocational Mechatronics graduate who is living his dream."