Intelligently responding to the pace of change

Change is in the air. New technologies are completely transforming the world we live and work in.

Recognising that pace of change, engineering experts at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) are now working with businesses to equip them with the skillsets they need to thrive in this new world of intelligent machines.

And that includes developing degree apprenticeship courses in mechatronic engineering. This multidisciplinary branch of engineering is becoming increasing important to businesses in a number of sectors.

It focuses on both electrical and mechanical systems and includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering.

UCLan works with employers to design and deliver degree apprenticeships and establishes the content and delivery of a programme according to their needs on an individual basis.

And that is certainly true when it comes to its BEng (Hons) degree apprenticeship in mechatronic and intelligent machines, being delivered from the university’s new £35m Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) on its Preston campus.

UCLan were approached by the Royal Mail in the summer of 2019 to create a course that will give its product design and development engineers the skills they will need as the use of intelligent machines grows.

UCLan started to deliver the degree apprenticeship programme in November last year and it has been developed around the specific needs of that business.

The aim is to equip its staff on the course with a deep understanding of intelligent machines so they are able to develop and use mechatronics systems in all stages of product creation, modification and componentry.

The programme was initiated by the Royal Mail and is attracting many other businesses, as it helps to “futureproof the workplace” particularly for organisations involved in the large-scale distribution of items such as mail, parcels, food and goods, using big sorting machines.

These types of technologies and skills help optimise the workplace - reducing machine downtime and increasing productivity and competitiveness

Dr Martin Varley, principal lecturer at the School of Engineering, says mechatronics is a “recently new concept based on existing and developing technology” and is becoming increasingly relevant to businesses as they look to harness robotics and intelligent machines to improve productivity.

He says the students who successfully complete the mechatronic course will have a deep understanding of intelligent machines.