Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/05/2025
All Day
Categories
An online guest lecture on the topic “Recent Trends in Mechatronics and Robotics Process Automation” was conducted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Sona College of Technology, Salem on 8th May 2025. The lecture was aimed at providing third-year mechanical engineering students with insights into the evolving fields of mechatronics, robotics, and process automation, and how these technologies are shaping the future of engineering.
The resource person for the session was Mr. S. Nawas, a spe
cialist in New Product Development & Manufacturing Engineering (Plastics) at Ather Energy Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore. With his extensive experience in the industry, particularly in the field of product development for electric vehicles and manufacturing engineering, Mr. S. Nawas brought valuable knowledge and practical examples to the lecture.
Key Highlights of the Lecture:
Mr. S. Nawas started the session by introducing the concepts of mechatronics and robotics as multidisciplinary fields combining mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to create intelligent systems and automate complex tasks. He emphasized the growing importance of these fields in modern engineering, particularly in manufacturing and product development.
The lecture covered the following key areas:
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Recent Trends in Mechatronics: Mr. Nawas discussed the advancements in mechatronics, such as smart sensors, actuators, and embedded systems, and how they are enhancing automation in manufacturing processes. He highlighted the integration of AI and IoT in mechatronic systems, leading to smarter and more efficient manufacturing techniques. -
Robotics Process Automation (RPA): The lecture delved into the field of RPA, explaining how robotics is being used to automate repetitive and labor-intensive processes in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. Mr. Nawas shared real-life examples from his work at Ather Energy, where robotics and automation play a significant role in streamlining production processes for electric vehicles.
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Product Development in Robotics: Mr. Nawas shared insights into his role in new product development at Ather Energy, focusing on how mechatronics and robotics contribute to the development of innovative electric vehicles. He also explained how cross-functional collaboration between mechanical, electrical, and software teams is essential for creating cutting-edge products in today’s competitive market.
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Challenges and Opportunities: The lecture also addressed the challenges faced by industries in adopting robotics and automation, such as cost considerations, integration with existing systems, and the need for skilled personnel. At the same time, Mr. Nawas emphasized the vast opportunities these technologies present for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in manufacturing.
Student Engagement and Takeaways:
The third-year mechanical engineering students benefited greatly from the guest lecture, which provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the current trends and future potential of mechatronics and robotics in engineering. The students were engaged in discussions on industry trends, particularly in the context of electric vehicles and sustainable technologies, which are areas of growing significance.
Mr. Nawas’s personal experiences and anecdotes from his work at Ather Energy helped the students gain insight into the practical applications of mechatronics and robotics in product design and manufacturing. They were particularly interested in learning about robotic automation in the production of electric vehicles and how innovative solutions can improve both the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes.
