Overview

Mechatronics includes mechanics, pneumatics, electronically controlled systems, programming, and robotics and systems 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 supermarket cash till and belt assemblies.

This is a practical competition, for a team of 2, that will test your logic, design and fault finding skills in a challenging environment. To complete the tasks competitors are expected to apply their theoretical knowledge of fundamental principles, automation, pneumatic, electrical/electronic and PLC technologies

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 to a specification
  • Electro-pneumatic circuit simulation
  • Adding new functionality and operations to a given application.
  • System integration and optimisation
  • General Impression and Function

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 competition
  • 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 documents within the useful information section). This is a practical competition that will test your logic, design and fault finding skills in a challenging environment

How it works

Use our practical guidance and tools to run your own competition activity as part of your teaching and learning programmes. This is a great way to stimulate enthusiasm and interest for competitions

Sign up to keep informed of current developments and ongoing tips on competition activity

Prepare learners to take part in competition by developing their technical and mental skills so they can compete at their best – there are lots of tools and resources available to help you

Learners who get through the passive stage (where they will be expected to prepare a submission for entry or participate in an online assessment), will be invited to take part in national qualifiers which take place across the UK between April and June. All competitors receive certification for their achievements at the qualifiers

The highest performers from the national qualifiers are invited to compete in the UK National Finals in November at WorldSkills UK LIVE, the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeship and careers event

Our gallery

Young people competing in Mechatronics competition
Young people competing in Mechatronics competition
Young people competing in Mechatronics competition
Young people competing in Mechatronics competition

Register your interest

In light of the ongoing uncertainty relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be running the WorldSkills UK national competition cycle in 2020. We expect to resume competitions in 2021 and urge you to register your interest now so we can keep you advised of developments.

Contact details

competitions@worldskillsuk.org

Kickstart a career in Mechatronics

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

Learn more about this career
Photo of a mechatronics engineer examining a small component part and a drawing

Sign up to receive our latest updates to your email

Useful links