Professor Vladimir Vantsevich introduced Lawrence Tech’s master’s degree program in mechatronic systems engineering in 2006. This unique high-tech educational program, the first in Michigan, includes research options for students. Mechatronics degree programs, common in Europe and Asia but still a rarity in the United States, meld mechanical, electrical and computer engineering disciplines. Vehicles rely more and more on sophisticated electronics and computer controls. Vantsevich was very familiar with this approach after a nearly 30-year academic career in Belarus, where he specialized in designing driveline systems and control devices for multi-wheel-drive vehicles. To outfit the laboratory, equipment and software was contributed by Bosch, dSPACE, Eaton, Festo, Kistler Instrument, KUKA Robotics and National Instruments. Chrysler contributed nearly $50,000 for academic support programs and also donated hardware. This high level of interest indicates that the private sector sees good things coming from the program. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in robotics, aerospace, automotive and other industries will benefit if there are more American engineers available to bring mechatronics to the product design and production process. The suppliers will benefit if the next generation of engineers understand how to take advantage of the specialized engineering equipment and software.
