The first local education institute to offer mechatronic engineering as a complete field of study, the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Tshwane University of Technology, has seen mechatronic class sizes increase from 12 to over 75 in the space of four years. This is believed to be driven both by rapid employer take-up on the demand side and increasing interest in this field of study.
The educational institution's laboratories feature a broad spectrum of Festo Didactic components, including FluidSim educational simulation software, as well as sensoric and PLC hardware. Strong backing from the Automotive Industry Development Centre, a Gauteng Province Blue IQ initiative, has since seen the implementation of new equipment and training courses covering areas such as robotics, electro-pneumatics/hydraulics and motion control.
Festo Didactic places great emphasis on the practical application of all theory presented
Festo Didactic has supplied training systems to the Tshwane University of Technology and a number of other educational institutions, and is also recognised for offering relevant, practical training that empowers learners beyond theoretical knowledge at various Festo training facilities throughout South Africa. The systems supplied by Festo cover all aspects of mechatronics, from machining and CNC technology to electrical engineering and electronics, the training endeavours to simulate real-life situations, thereby transferring knowledge in a way that optimally benefits the learner.
Mechatronics is now one of the fastest growing industrial areas, with more and more OEMs and manufacturing companies showing interest in the combination of mechanical, computer and electronic technologies. Festo also offer 3-day courses on Mechatronics, which cover structures and components, actuators and sensors, wiring and tubing, as well as PLC programming and networking, design, faultfinding and documentation. All Festo Didactic courses are MERSETA accredited, NQF level 3, using hands-on integrated assembly stations applying theory to practice.
For more information contact Joanne Dix, Festo, +27 (0) 11 971 5560, [email protected]
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