What is Mechatronix?
Mechatronix is a contraction of the words "Mechanical" and "Electronics" and is used in industry to refer to the various systems used to automate a manufacturing or logistics operation. Students completing the Mechatronix pathway will be well prepared for entry-level technical positions with local logistics and manufacturing companies. This pathway is also designed to prepare students interested in careers in engineering.

Mechatronix Pathway:
Year 1: Mechatronix 1a/1b
  Students in the first year class will learn fundamental engineering and industrial automation skills. All students will learn basic CAD and coding skills in addition to specific technical skills. During the first semester, students will be introduced to the problem solving project for the year (2019-2020 students will be producing an automated can crusher). Second semester students will work in teams to design (using CAD and traditional methods) and construct the solution to the problem they have been given. 

Year 2: Mechatronix 2a/2b
  Students in the second year class will have the opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA competitions. NHS Mechatronix students are currently competing in Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue and UAV/Drone design and operation competition. Design and construction of their robot or drone will be completed prior to the end of the fall semester. During the spring semester, Mechatronix 2b students will serve as the team leaders for the Mechatronix 1a problem solving teams and will work with them to produce a working solution to the problem. 

Year 3: Mechatronix 3a/3b
  Students in the third year class will again have the opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA competition. We are hoping to add additional competitions as students increase their skill levels in the engineering and automation areas. Mechatronix 3b students will have the opportunity to serve as technical resources for Mechatronix 2b/1b students working on problem solving projects or take on a problem solving project of their own.

Outcomes:
Dare to Soar - students completing Mechatronix 1a/b and Mechatronix 2a/b with a B or better will earn a cord which is worn at graduation and signifies their high level of technical proficiency. 
Articulated Credit - (pending) students completing Mechatronix 1a/b and Mechatronix 2a/b with a B or better will be able to submit evidence of their technical proficiency to faculty at Norco College and will earn 3 units of college credit.
Apprenticeship - students completing Mechatronix 1a/b and Mechatronix 2a/b with a B or better will have the opportunity to apply for a paid apprenticeship with a local manufacturing or logistics company. 
Certifications - students in the Mechatronix pathway will have the opportunity to complete industry-recognized certifications (see instructor for specific certifications). 
SkillsUSA - students in Mechatronix 2a/b and higher will have the opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA (a national Career Technical Student Organization "CTSO"). SkillsUSA provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical skills through competition against other students enrolled in similar pathways. Mechatronix students are currently competing in Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue and UAVs but additional contests may be added based on student interest. SkillsUSA students compete at the regional level and may advance to state and national levels.
Employment - students completing the Mechatronix pathway should find they have the skills and abilities to obtain entry-level employment in the automation and manufacturing industries.

Mechatronix Spring 2019

Mechatronix students were tasked with designing and constructing a can feeder system that would hold at least 4 cans and integrate a sensor with the robot to signal when the feeder system was empty. Follow the link below to see the can feeder systems in operation.

Spring 2019 Mechatronix Can Feeder Systems

Local Industry Partners:
Cal-Draulics
SR Machining
K&N Engineering
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division
Corona Chamber of Commerce
City of Corona
American Fabrication Academy

Scholarship Opportunities:

Mike Rowe Works Foundation Scholarship

Edison Scholars Makers of Tomorrow Scholarship

SEMA Scholarships

AOPA Flight Training Scholarships

Automotive Service Council Education Foundation Scholarships

Horatio Alger Scholarships

Employment Opportunities:

CBRE Commercial Real Estate Jobs

SEMA Career Center

Department of the Navy Internship (Norco Navy Base)

Interesting Links:

History of CNC Machining

History of CNC Machining Part 2

History of CNC Machining Part 3

3d Printed Human Heart