What branch of engineering is this?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying the appropriate branch of engineering for integrating sensors and controls in robotics and machines. Participants explore various fields such as Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Engineering (CE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Mechatronics, considering their relevance to system integration and control systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that Electrical Engineering (EE) or Robotics, which combines elements of EE, Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Computer Science (CS), could be suitable fields for integrating sensors and controls.
  • One participant emphasizes that Computer Engineering (CE) is beneficial for microcontroller and programming aspects, while EE is better for overall integration.
  • A participant highlights the importance of systems engineering, noting that it requires knowledge across various engineering disciplines to ensure compatibility of subsystem interfaces.
  • Mechatronics is proposed as a relevant field, focusing on the integration of mechanical, electrical, control, and software design.
  • Another participant argues that Computer Science (CS) is the best for learning control systems, although this perspective is met with surprise and requests for clarification on the role of CS in control systems.
  • Some participants discuss the incorporation of physics and mathematics in CS programs, suggesting that this may align closely with Mechatronics.
  • There are differing views on the extent to which EE and CE programs cover control systems and the associated mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the best engineering discipline for the integration of sensors and controls, with no clear consensus on a single field. The discussion reflects multiple competing views regarding the roles of EE, CE, ME, and CS in this context.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note limitations in their understanding of the current curricula in CS, EE, and CE, particularly regarding the coverage of control systems and the integration of physics and mathematics.

tamtam402
Messages
199
Reaction score
0
I'd like to work into integrating sensors/programs to robots and machines to "connect" the parts together and make them work.

Ex: I don't want to design the hydraulics or mechanical parts, I'd like to be the guy that connects ****, integrate the controls AND make everything work together.

What field is that? EE? CE?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Probably EE or Robotics (which is an EE/ME/CS hybrid).
 
tamtam402 said:
I'd like to work into integrating sensors/programs to robots and machines to "connect" the parts together and make them work.

Ex: I don't want to design the hydraulics or mechanical parts, I'd like to be the guy that connects ****, integrate the controls AND make everything work together.

What field is that? EE? CE?

EE, may be the best, but CE is also good. CE is best for just microcontroller and programming aspects along with digital design. However, EE is a little better for integration and making everything working together. A good EE should know the basics of mechanics sufficient to do robotics. ME can also be good because many ME's specializing in robotics know electronics also.

Basically, once you mention integration, controls and making everything work, you are really bordering on system engineering. System engineers need to be reasonably good in all areas and need to know how to specify the system level design and ensure compatibility of subsystem interfaces. System engineers can be any type of engineer, but ME and EE provide good backgrounds to be able to learn just about any new system related to robotics.

You correctly mentioned the word "controls" which can be a very challenging aspect of robotics. Whatever your actual discipline, a good understanding of control system engineering is important.
 
One word: Mechatronics

I am a final year student myself and certainly control principle is at the heart of Mechatronics Eng.

Apart from control system, sensors and programming are covered in Mechatronics.
 
tamtam402 said:
I'd like to be the guy that connects ****, integrate the controls AND make everything work together.

I understand what you mean. I am a computer science major and what I want to do the most is make avionics and computers that control unmanned aircraft.
Most control of devices is provided by electronic means. Whether it be through software or hardware it will all be done with electronics. I am my opinion computer science is the best for learning control systems.
 
kgbgru said:
I am my opinion computer science is the best for learning control systems.

I'm surprised by this statement, but I have to admit that I'm not all that familiar with what computer science focuses on nowadays. Traditionally, control systems theory and practice is taught in engineering programs.

Can you please elaborate on this? Is this a new trend? Or, an old one that I'm just uneducated about?
 
At my school computer science is an engineering program. And we are the only major that incorperates physics and math to describe and control systems. EE and CE have some of the physics and almost none of the math.
 
Mechatronics.

EDIT: Damn, Robert beat me to it. :(
 
kgbgru said:
At my school computer science is an engineering program. And we are the only major that incorperates physics and math to describe and control systems. EE and CE have some of the physics and almost none of the math.

Interesting, I've never thought of CS as an engineering discipline, but yeah why shouldn't it be. The math side makes sense, but I never thought of physics as being an important part of CS. Thank you for educating me. I can see advantages of approaching system control theory with a background in CS.

I'm suprised that your school's EE and CE don't cover the math of control systems. All EE/CE programs I'm familiar with have extensive math and control system courses, and they are available to those who choose to specialize in feedback & control or systems theory in general.
 
  • #10
kgbgru said:
At my school computer science is an engineering program. And we are the only major that incorporates physics and math to describe and control systems. EE and CE have some of the physics and almost none of the math.

Interesting. Does the CS program include the study of sensors?

If it does, I can't see any difference at all between CS and Mechatronics. In fact, I'm surprised that there could hardly be any difference at all.
 
  • #11
Hi

Mechatronics, a branch of engineering which is a system-level approach to designing electromechanical systems that merges mechanical, electrical, control and embedded software design.

http://www.euroconstructiononline.net"
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Undergrad What branch of electrical engineering uses a lot of probability?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
News What Can Nature Teach Us? Join the Natural Robotics Contest!
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Automotive What particular mechanic or engineer does this work?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering Combination
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
13K
Which engineering branch would be the best for me?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Engineering Trouble with choosing how to shape my engineering career
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Engineering What is the best major for working with semiconductors?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
Job Skills How could someone work as both an engineer and physicist?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Courses Looking for recommendations for topics for a master's thesis
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is left to discover or invent for the hobbyist scientist/engineer
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K