Preparing Swedish Mechatronics Engineering Students for a Global Industry

The subject of mechatronics is defined to be cross-disciplinary, based on the concept of synergy and synergistic use of knowledge and skills in underlying subjects. To master the subject means, according to the analysis in this article, to be skilled in applying the subject rather than having vast knowledge. The mechatronics engineers therefore tend to work as an integrator, as project coordinator or project manager. Mechatronics engineers also tend to work with applications, with systems rather than components and with synthesis and design rather than analysis. In the perspective of globalization the skills required of the mechatronics engineer has to be valid on an international market, and "international skills" ought to be included in the curriculum. This article presents experiences from different modes of integration of international skills into capstone courses and curriculum in mechatronics at KTH, the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. In conclusion, international collaboration in the settings described can provide experiences of working in a global setting in order to prepare students for future work in a multinational company. International collaboration is also more directly related to the special identity of the subject of mechatronics, and the experience of working with global, diverse teams is valuable preparation for a future career in a global market.