Mechatronics Lab

Mechatronics Laboratory

Hello and welcome to the Mechatronics Laboratory website.

On this page, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce the areas of research in our lab and what we offer to students, prospective students, collaboration partners, schools and students, and anyone who is simply curious.

VDI Guideline 2206 states:

Mechatronics refers to the synergistic interaction of the disciplines of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and information technology in the design and manufacture of industrial products, as well as in process design.

The name is derived from the terms “mechanics,”“electronics,” and“computer science.”

Our Areas of Focus

With the purchase of a whole range of modules from Festo-Didactic’s “MPS Transfer System” lineup, we have created a platform for training our students on systems similar to those used in modern manufacturing.

Our lab focuses on the following areas:

Pneumatics
Automation
Control Engineering
Visualization
Simulation

Students gain comprehensive knowledge of automation technology through hands-on models, such as the use of sensors to distinguish between materials and colors, to determine position, to measure dimensions and distances, and much more.

They learn how control signals interact with valves, relays, and electric motors, master the basics of logic, and integrate all these aspects into a functioning system.

Various simulation programs are available for student training:

FluidSIM® Circuit Diagram Design and Simulation Software for Pneumatics, Hydraulics, and Electrical Engineering
CIROS® Automation Suite consists of five individual software packages and enables realistic 3D simulation even of highly complex automation systems
Robotino® SIM Professional is a virtual learning environment for working with Robotino®.

In the field of control technology, Siemens S7-300 programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are primarily used. These PLCs are programmed using the Step 7 or TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal) software.

Students learn about the capabilities and limitations of these controllers. They become familiar with contact diagrams, function blocks, and instruction lists. They connect inputs to outputs, apply delays, count, store values, and force actions—and in the end, the system does exactly what it’s supposed to.

Two fully equipped workstation systems with sets of equipment for pneumatics and electropneumatics are available for basic training.

Students learn to read, develop, and implement electro-pneumatic circuit diagrams. They also learn how to analyze circuits and how to troubleshoot and correct errors.

Another area of focus in our lab's research is mobile robotics.

Using a Robotino as a platform, students learn about the various programming options—ranging from simple line-tracking methods to complex image-processing techniques for controlling the robot.

Student Project

Beehive Scale

Bee hive scales are used for remote monitoring of bee colonies. The scale allows conclusions to be drawn about various parameters of the beehive, such as changes in weight over time, overloading of the beehive, theft of the beehive, etc.

As part of this project, a beehive scale was developed with a focus on simple, technical, and cost-effective implementation.

You can find more information about the project here

Student Project

Linear axis

If the schedule for our other tasks allows, we supervise not only students but also groups of high school students from local schools in the mechatronics lab. The tasks assigned to them are primarily related to the lab’s areas of focus.

An example: Optimizing/maximizing the speed of the linear motion of a linear axis driven by a stepper motor

You can find more information about the project here

For Students

On special occasions, we also open our doors to students and other interested individuals, such as during our Engineering Open House, which usually takes place in late January, or as part of our Children’s University.