Mechatronics equipment

Seneca and Siemens Canada are helping to address the technical skills gap in Canadian manufacturing with the creation of Ontario’s first Mechatronics Simulation and Demonstration Centre (MSDC).

Mechatronics is a cross-disciplinary field built on the convergence of mechanical and electrical engineering, automation and controls, and information technology. Mechatronics plays an increasingly critical role in manufacturing and production, optimizing efficiency, productivity and quality.

As mechatronics takes on a greater role in the implementation of automated processes, the need for professionals with specialized training becomes more important. Seneca has partnered with Siemens to develop the first Mechatronics Simulation and Demonstration Centre (MSDC) in Ontario, enabling applications ranging from automation and robotics to industrial maintenance and electro-mechanical technologies.

The Ontario government invested $651,000 to help students develop the cutting-edge skills they need to strengthen and modernize the province’s manufacturing sector. This allowed Seneca to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and curriculum development for the Centre.

The MSDC also provides Ontario with a high-profile mechatronics research and demonstration facility — a showcase for students, faculty/researchers, industry partners, employers, government and international visitors. It will open the door to broader collaboration with mechatronics-based industries, providing students with the opportunity to learn from, and engage with, potential future employers.

The Centre houses state-of-the-art workstations within an industry-customized teaching space with full simulation capability. The MSDC’s digital factory learning environment will support Siemens Mechatronics Systems certification courses, designed to be integrated into the existing curriculum of programs in the School of Information Technology Administration & Security and School of Software Design & Data Science. This provides Seneca graduates an opportunity to attain an internationally recognized skills certification. With this comprehensive knowledge of mechatronics system’s complexities, they will be highly skilled professionals that meet industry demand.

Mechatronics certification courses are being offered to Seneca students in two levels. Each level is based on a job profile — a comprehensive description of the tasks that the certified individual should be able to perform. Job profiles are developed by Siemens in collaboration with other industry and public sector partners, and help to define the levels, either Assistant or Associate.

Official Opening

scene from video

Dignitaries and attendees discuss the great need for the Centre. Video

mechatronics equipment

mechatronics equipment

mechatronics equipment

Ontario government logo

Siemens logo

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