MECHATRONICS EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UNITED-STATES - THE PERSPECTIVE FROM LOUISIANA-STATE-UNIVERSITY

The next generation of advanced mechatronic technology systems has arr ived. The advance brings a new depth of integrated and intelligent sys tems for which few engineers are prepared. Across the U.S., universiti es have identified and addressed integrated technological issues by pr oviding new curriculum and laboratories. These efforts fall primarily into four categories: electronics packaging and assembly: adaptive con trols; intelligent manufacturing; and secondary school initiatives. Of these programs, Electronics Packaging and Assembly enjoys the most in dustry and government support. The others survive with very little out side support. Louisiana State University's Industrial and Manufacturin g Systems Engineering Department has worked to establish a curriculum and a facility which supports both practical instruction and advanced research. The facility, known as the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) Laboratory. provides students with state-of-the-art mechatronic , computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-integrated manufact uring (CIM) technologies.