Mechatronics / Sensor Technology B.Sc.

Mechatronics - the word is formed from the terms mechanics, electronics and computer science - combines these specialist disciplines to create functioning overall systems. The course is structured accordingly, meaning that our graduates are in high demand on the job market.

We often no longer even notice typical mechatronic solutions because they function almost as a matter of course. For example, in smartphones: the display is based on orientation; GPS, acceleration, rotation rate, air pressure and magnetic field sensors are used to determine the location and control functions can be carried out. Or in the car: this is basically a single complex mechatronic system around the drive - increasingly networked with the outside world. In addition to the electric motor and the battery, a large number of sensors ensure safe locomotion, controlled by electronic circuits whose functions are operated by complex software with increasingly adaptive and intelligent modules.

Mechatronics is used in small and large machines as well as in even larger production halls; it is the all-rounder that accompanies our everyday lives and makes them more comfortable. This is because it combines mechanics, electronics, optics and software to form an independent discipline with an incredible number of possible applications. From the automotive industry to mechanical engineering and consumer electronics to the logistics sector: mechatronics is everywhere - and the specialists are in high demand.

Mechatronics with a focus on sensor technology at htw saar

Due to this wide range of possible applications, htw saar has specialized in one area of mechatronics: sensor technology. Sensors are at the beginning of a mechatronic chain. They convert physical measured variables into electrical signals, which are then processed further. For example, they ensure the analysis of a fingerprint on a cell phone, detect when an elevator door is blocked or monitor the functions in a car.

In the Mechatronics / Sensor Technology course, htw saar achieves the ideal mix of teaching basic knowledge of mechatronics and initial specialist knowledge of sensor technology. We teach our students how to build an intelligent mechatronic system, how to integrate optical, chemical or temperature-sensitive sensors, for example, and how to connect them to a holistic system. We impart important knowledge of mechatronics in a practice-oriented manner and in many project working groups and combine it specifically with digital technology such as microcontrollers and their control. Close to practice, close to industry, close to the needs of business - with this claim, we prepare our students ideally for their future tasks in a wide range of sectors.

The Bachelor's degree course in Mechatronics / Sensor Technology deals with the following questions:

• How do individual sensors work? What are the physical principles behind them?
• How does communication between sensors and a control system work - and how can it be continuously optimized?
• What components does an intelligent mechatronic system consist of and how can it be controlled?
• How can processes in mechatronics be ideally networked?
• How can smart sensors be used in a system in the most result-oriented way possible?
• What does the future of robotics and automation look like?

Excellent prospects are offered by the very large sectors such as automotive and mechanical and plant engineering as well as a variety of other sectors - either in Saarland, nationwide or internationally. Your knowledge and skills will be in demand: you can develop and support various measurement technology, embedded systems, medical devices and automation solutions. Or take responsibility for the design of components for wind turbines, other renewables and energy storage systems. And since automation is rapidly changing many industries, there are corresponding opportunities and exciting career prospects for graduates of htw saar. As engineers, they can work in teams with specialists from other disciplines to develop and build complex systems and make them marketable. The best thing is that the job profiles in mechatronics are becoming ever more numerous and diverse - graduates from htw saar are in demand.