SEMINAR : BRIDGING THEORY AND PRACTICE IN MECHATRONICS EDUCATION
Guest : Mehmet Mert Gülhan
Title : Bridging Theory and Practice in Mechatronics Educationn
Date / Time : 21, May, Thursday, 14:40
Location : FENS G025
Abstract:Mechatronics education requires the integration of mechanical design, electronics, embedded systems, and control engineering. However, students often encounter these subjects in isolation, which makes it difficult to connect theoretical knowledge with real engineering practice. This seminar discusses the role of project-based and hands-on learning approaches in bridging this gap and developing multidisciplinary engineering intuition.
The presentation focuses on how integrated design projects can expose students to the full engineering workflow, including system modeling, CAD-based mechanical design, power electronics and motor driver design, simulation, and closed-loop control development. A SCARA-type robotic manipulator is presented as a representative case study to illustrate how these topics can be connected within a unified educational framework.
Drawing from both teaching experience and professional engineering practice, the presentation examines how integrated design approaches can strengthen systems thinking, improve student engagement, and better prepare students for multidisciplinary engineering environments. The discussion also highlights the potential of incorporating physical prototyping and experimental implementation to further enrich the student experience by bringing design concepts into tangible systems and real-world testing.
Bio:Mehmet Mert Gülhan is a mechatronics engineer with experience in robotics, control systems, and multidisciplinary engineering design in both academic and industrial settings. He earned his B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees at Sabancı University and completed his M.Sc. at Carnegie Mellon University.
He has practiced mechatronics engineering in industry through his work at Duray Robot and Automation. His teaching interests include project-based mechatronics education and the integration of theory and practice in engineering instruction.