Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (Machine and Production Automation)

A Machine and Production Automation engineer designs the machines that form the basis for an automated industry, the so-called Industry 4.0. In this industrial environment of the future, smart products will communicate with smart machines based on a unique code. These machines are efficient and versatile thanks to a combination of electromechanical design and intelligence. These moving machines make products or perform tasks in a fast, intelligent and sustainable manner. Widely known examples are robots and cobots, automated vehicles (AGV), 3D printers and all advanced production machinery. They are the foundation of a new competitive industry.

• Bachelor

The first year offers a common curriculum for all Ghent- and Kortrijk-based Engineering Technology programmes at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, with the exception of Industrial Design Engineering Technology. We introduce you to the different engineering disciplines. Later on in your career, this will allow you to communicate with colleagues across disciplines. This is what distinguishes an engineer from a professional Bachelor or a ‘pure’ (theoretical) scientist. From the second year onwards, you choose Machine and Production Automation.

The content of the Bachelor’s curriculum is built on four learning pathways: Mechatronics covers mechanical designs needed by machines in the manufacturing* industry. Specific software helps you make the right decisions. In addition to functional design, we also place great store by other aspects such as machine safety. The next step in the design is the choice of transmission.

Electronic Design and Transmissions focuses on the right choice of engine and engine control. Ultimately, the electrical transmission of a machine is powered by a correctly designed power circuit, electrical cabinet and concomitant schedules.

Electronics and ICT are the control engineering heart of the machine. (Micro)controllers take decisions and steer the machine’s movements. In addition, we also cover aspects such as sensors, interfacing and communication.

Finally, production automation is a discipline that focuses not so much on the machine but on how several machines can collaborate seamlessly in one operational production process. PLC control and its visualization through HMI as well as the connecting communication systems are essential in this.

* The manufacturing industry manufactures products mechanically. This covers production an sich as well as companies that design machines to enable production. Key concepts here are flexibility, speed, and sustainability.

• Master

The Master’s curriculum builds on the learning pathways of the Bachelor’s programme. It prepares you for professional life in a variety of sectors in which the so-called Industry 4.0 plays a significant role. A choice of minors enables you to specialize in smart moving machines - the proverbial workhorses of our industry (Smart Machines), in the industrial environment (Smart Factories), or in digitalization-related challenges (Smart Technologies).

What Engineering Technology graduates are capable of cannot be captured in a mere few sentences. One thing is certain, though: theirs is a dynamic, interesting, versatile and creative profession.
Job opportunities are various and manifold. A considerable number of our graduates ends up in technical, management or commercial positions: as automation engineer, Research & Development engineer, production and maintenance engineer, sales engineer, technical manager, project manager, service engineer, safety manager, electrical engineer or lecturer. Various sectors are open to you: machine manufacturing, the metalworking industry, electronics, integrators, the services sector.
Design offices are also eager to employ our graduates. Other important employers are the government, semi-public institutions (e.g. The Federal Planning Bureau, the Belgian Buildings Agency, ...) and the education sector. A career at a research institute is also among the possibilities. Or maybe you will start your own company?

Be sure to check out these interesting testimonials a ikbenindustrieelingenieur.be (in Dutch).