I often hear teachers and administrators ask for a necessary list of equipment for a mechatronics lab.
A few years ago I published a blog post on the types of equipment teachers need. A lot can change over a few years so while the premise of what I wrote still rings true, the training systems and technologies available on the market today are more robust, easier to teach, and in many cases also more affordable.
There is no “one size fits all” approach to learning. I previously organized a list of equipment into the four primary areas of study in mechatronics (Electricity / Electronics, Mechanical Power, Fluid Power, and PLC Control). I’ve since found many teachers and administrators prefer to see an outline of equipment recommended by learning level (secondary versus post-secondary) as well as a progression over time that that shows the trajectory of a complete mechatronics education for students moving from high school through college to the workforce.
Because I work with many educators in Virginia, the below suggestions are loosely based on the mechatronics curriculum framework as outlined by the Virginia State Department of Education.
Year 1: Mechatronics I (Secondary)
Siemens PLC Bundle — Bundle of eight (8) S7 1200 Basic Controllers, which are modular and compact, versatile, a secure investment, and perfectly suited to a whole range of applications
Mechanical Drives Level 1 Learning System — This Amatrol trainer teaches the fundamentals of mechanical transmission systems and allows for the practice of industry-relevant skills including how to operate, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and design basic mechanical transmission systems using chains, v-belts, spur gears, bearings, and couplings.
Pneumatics System — Amatrol’s Basic Pneumatics Training System introduces pneumatic principles, such as single-acting cylinder circuits, pressure vs. cylinder force, and flow control valves, and skills like connecting and operating a needle valve to control actuator speed.
Pegasus Robotics Simulation Learning System / DOBOT Robots —
- Amatrol’s Pegasus Robotics Simulation Learning System teaches the programming and operation of the Pegasus articulated servo robot. Software includes powerful 3D graphic simulation tools and realistic workcells.
- DOBOT’s Magician robot supports secondary development by 13 extensible interfaces and over 20 programming languages, which really makes your creativity and imagination increase without any limitation. It’s functions cover 3D printing, laser engraving, writing and drawing, and more.
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Tabletop Mechatronics — Amatrol’s Tabletop Mechatronics is a portable, durable, affordable learning system that forms a fully automated line to teach real-world mechatronics skills. This learning system features a pick-and-place, gauging, and inventory station, all of which fit on a standard tabletop! Mechatronics is an integral part of the automotive, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
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Year 2: Mechatronics II (Secondary)
PLC Training System — Designed to help students develop skills in operating, programming, and troubleshooting modern PLC-controlled system, the Amatrol PLC Training System covers Allen Bradley and Siemens PLCs.
Mechanical Drives Level 2 & 3 Learning System — Amatrol helps you build on students’ training with Level 1, Level 2 covers the construction, operation, installation, and alignment of heavy-duty V-belt drives, synchronous belt drives, and heavy-duty chain drives while Level 3 covers plain bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, anti-friction bearing selection and maintenance, gaskets, seals, advanced gear drives, and gear drive selection and maintenance.
Hydraulics System — The Basic Hydraulics training system from Amatrol introduces the fundamental hydraulic principles, such as pressure and flow, while simultaneously teaching industry-relevant hydraulic skills. After completing this training system, learners will not only be able to basic hydraulic operation, installation, design, and troubleshooting for various applications, but also understand concepts like flow rate versus cylinder speed and pressure versus cylinder force.
Process Control Training System — Amatrol offers four major process control systems, each covering a different process control application: level and flow, temperature, analytical, and pressure. Amatrol also offers a variety of training options for related process control applications such as HART communication protocol, Foundation Fieldbus, and SCADA.
Mechatronics Learning System — Brings industrial realism to the classroom with the Mechatronics Learning System from Amatrol. Seven stations make up a complete flexible manufacturing system. Each station is a small mechatronics system in itself with multiple, integrated technologies that can be used stand-alone or in various combinations, creating unlimited project capability.
Year 3+: Mechatronics III (Post-Secondary)
Amatrol Mechanical Skills Learning System — Amatrol’s line of Mechanical training products feature learning systems that cover absolute bedrock fundamentals of industry and advance manufacturing, such as mechanical drives, pumps, mechanical fabrication, rigging, and central lubrication.
Amatrol Motor Control Training System — Amatrol’s Electric Motor Control Learning System covers electric relay control of AC electric motors found in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Learners study industry-relevant skills including how to operate, install, design, and troubleshoot AC electric motor control circuits for various applications.
Amatrol Process Control Training System — As mentioned above, Amatrol’s four major process control systems cover level and flow, temperature, analytical, and pressure.
Amatrol Smart Factory Training Industry 4.0 Hands-On Skills — Amatrol’s Smart Factory learning systems are fully-connected, flexible manufacturing systems that connect physical systems, operational information, and human assets to control manufacturing, maintenance, inventory, and supply chain operations. Amatrol’s in-depth curriculum teaches all aspects of smart factory maintenance and operation in a self-directed, interactive format.
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Fenceless Robot Cell — Introduce students to the latest in integrated safety products from FANUC and Allen Bradley with the FANUC LR Mate 220iD/4S Fenceless Cert Cart. Perfect for the classroom, this portable cart fits through a standard door and runs off 110V power but features a larger work envelope allowing the robot arm over 180 degrees of movement.
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Industrial CNC Training — EMCO’s industrial training CNC machines feature interchangeable controls for FANUC, SIEMENS, and more. These solutions come with extensive on-site and online training and teach industry standard industrial controls for a learning experience that mirrors what students will encounter on the job.
