The role of mechanical design in mechatronics education

A survey of mechatronics course offerings around the United States shows a rich variety of approaches to this topic. However, very few existing mechatronics courses (at least those reported in the literature) feature a strong emphasis on mechanical design. That is is not to say that the creative process of design is not featured in mechatronics courses, because it clearly is. It seems equally clear that that accepted definition of mechatronics is not being adequately implemented in the classroom. This paper addresses this issue, suggests probable reasons for it and describes a new course being developed at Boise State University which places a much stronger emphasis on mechanical design skills and practice than many mechatronics courses