Overview

Mechatronics includes mechanics, pneumatics, electronically controlled systems, programming, robotics, systems integration and development. It is the job of the mechatronics technician to combine these areas to design, build, maintain, and repair automated equipment, and programme equipment control systems.

As well as factory assembly lines, mechatronics is used in everything from bottling machines to cash dispensers and automated production lines.

This is a practical competition, for a team of two. This will test your understanding of logic circuits, design and fault-finding skills in a challenging environment. To complete the tasks competitors are expected to apply their theoretical knowledge of fundamental principles of automation, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, sensor and PLC technologies.

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK during December 2022 for the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 cycle.

The skills that are tested in the practical competition include:

  • Designing, building and testing pneumatic, electro-pneumatic circuits and PLC programmes for sequential and non-sequential tasks; system building and process optimisation
  • Mechanically assembling a given set of components and sub-systems to a specification
  • Adding new functionality and operations to a given application.
  • System integration of multiple modular production systems and optimisation
  • Integrating distributed devices using appropriate industrial protocols.

The skills you need to demonstrate

  • Analytical skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Time-management

  • Critical thinking

  • Decision-making

  • Logical

  • Technical skills

  • Judgement

Entry criteria

  • This is a team activity (teams of two).
  • Team of competitors must have their own PLC and programming software for National Qualifier and National Final stages.
  • Competitors must be available for the National Qualifiers and National Finals.
  • There is no limit to the number of entries per organisation
  • Competitors must be familiar with the core competencies (these can be found in the Technical Handbook within the useful resources section).
  • This is a practical competition that will test your logic, design and fault finding skills in a challenging environment.

How it works

Our competitions are open to all so please register between 27 February – 24 March 2023

The first stage of competition is a remote or online test (where applicable)

Competitors take part in competitions in venues across the UK or online

Scores are quality assured and Finalists are announced

Competitors prepare and practise in readiness for the National Finals

The Finalists come together to compete in the National Finals

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK during December 2024 for the WorldSkills 2026 Cycle, subject to the skill progressing to the international competition cycle.

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If you’re interested in Mechatronics then visit our Careers pages to learn more.

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