If you watch Transformers and spend more time thinking about Megatron or Bumble Bee than Megan Fox, you might be a TRON. Mechatronics is a program that combines Mechanical, Electrical, Software and Systems Design Engineering into one of the most applicable programs in Waterloo Engineering. Because we have so much to cover, Mechatronics tends to focus more on the high-level concepts rather than the nitty-gritty of exactly how something works. A good example of this is in 2B: while electrical engineers focus on how transistors work, we use them to build an autonomous line following robot from scratch (right from soldering each resistor). Pay attention to all your courses because believe it or not, they all matter. You will use concepts from every course for your 4th year design project, which can range from guitar-playing robots to autopilot systems to CMM Milling Machines. This is what you came to Waterloo for.
If you’re in TRON, your 1A term will be a good one. MTE 100 will help you figure out exactly what TRON is. Professor Sanjeev Bedi (Director of Mechatronics) is, in my opinion, one of the best professors on campus and he will be there for you throughout your five years here whenever you need him. If you haven’t done much programming before, pay attention to GENE 121! It will sneak up on you and, if you aren’t keeping up, you will be left behind before you know it.
These are going to be amazing years, so put yourself out there, get involved, and enjoy! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at brock.kopp@uwaterloo.ca.
Cheers,
Brock
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