Mechatronics is a NEW and exciting interdisciplinary field dealing with the integration of mechanical and electronic components which require computer control.
Mechatronics is centered on the disciplines of mechanics, electronics, controls and computers which combined, make possible the generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile commercial and industrial products. The combination of words "Mechatronics" was first coined by Mr. Tetsuro Mori, a senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskawa, in 1969.

Industrial applications are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary requiring engineers and technicians to develop skills in a variety of disciplines including mechanics, electronics, computer science, and automation.

Many existing jobs categories currently or will soon require Mechatronics skills and problem solving abilities. Mechatronics courses combine various disciplines to teach students a holistic approach to developing solutions for engineering applications.
Mechatronics technicians are employed in the following sub-industries: Electrical equipment & appliances, electrical power plant & power distribution, computers & electronics products, chemicals, food & beverage, furniture, machinery, plastics & rubber, printing, textile, apparel & leather, wood & paper, primary & fabricated metals, petroleum, and transportation.

There is a high demand for bilingual engineers and technicians with Mechatronics knowledge and experience in companies in the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding regions including Austin, Dallas, Houston, Laredo, San Antonio, and in industrial “Maquiladoras” on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border.