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The Faculty of Science and Engineering at 51��ɫ has introduced a cutting-edge Digital Mechatronic Engineering programme, developed collaboratively with industry partners and UL@Work to meet the evolving needs of various sectors. Led by Course Director Professor Conor McCarthy, the programme—officially unveiled during a recent event—offers a comprehensive Bachelor's/Master’s track.

Professor McCarthy, alongside industry leaders including Donough McGrath from Johnson and Johnson VisionCare, Jean McAdam from Analog Devices, David O’Connor from Stryker, and Associate Professor Eoin Hinchy from UL, emphasised the growing demand for skilled professionals in digital mechatronics. This field, combining mechanics, electronics, robotics, and AI/Machine Learning, has revolutionised the landscape of machine and automated system design—now essential in workplaces with autonomous decision-making capabilities.

Commenting on the launch of the new programme, Professor McCarthy said: “We are delighted to launch this new and exciting interdisciplinary and interdepartmental programme in Digital Mechatronic Engineering. The programme was co-designed with Industry to produce graduates with wide-ranging skills in the area of industrial automation, manufacturing, robotics, AI, machine vision, and sustainability, for which there are major career opportunities across Ireland’s key sectors of Med-Tech, Pharma, Engineering, and Food & Beverage.”

“The programme integrates the very latest elements of AI and data engineering with mechatronics subjects from both the School of Engineering and the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering. In response to industry needs and supported by UL@Work, the programme boasts a fully immersive co-op placement of up to 13 months in a relevant industrial setting. Students wishing to avail of a Master's degree can stay on for one additional year after the four-year Bachelor’s degree, and the programme offers very flexible routes in advanced manufacturing and robotics engineering,” Professor O’Connor added.

“The programme design and rapid implementation is a testament to the excellent collaborative work between academic, technical and administration staff in both departments.”   

Attendees at the event had the opportunity to explore the mechatronic labs and participate in interactive demonstrations of UL's pioneering instrumentation.

Aidan Jordan, Automation Manager at Johnson & Johnson Visioncare, who took part in a panel discussion at the event said: “This new BE/ME Mechatronics programme being offered by 51��ɫ is the culmination of years of tailoring the needs of industry into a single programme. For any early-career engineer taking up this programme, they will be armed with a huge skillset on completion, where they can, if they wish, further focus and develop any or all of these skills.”

The BE/ME in Digital Mechatronic Engineering offers a graduate pathway starting from the second year for students entering via LM116, the Common Entry Engineering Programme. More details about the programme are available on the 51��ɫ website.