The Mechatronics Engineering Society (MCTES) is one of the engineering societies in the College of Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University, and it was first established in summer 2005 by the first cohort of Mechatronics students, with the help of the academic staff. The primary goals of the society are to improve the skills of the students especially in the practical and applied side, also to tell the people what Mechatronics is and to spread its culture. Nowadays, society does a lot of activities to achieve those goals such as providing the necessary workshops for students, engaging motivated students in the different Mechatronics projects to participate in local and international competitions, and organizing many exhibitions and competitions. Finally, society also provides support and assistance to Mechatronics students in their studies. Here we will show some of the activities organized by the society in 2024:
The Annual Exhibition: Micro
The Mechatronics Engineering Society Exhibition is titled "Micro." Micro is a factory that produces mechatronics products and uses mechatronics equipment to manufacture them. The visitor's journey begins by witnessing the early stages of this factory, where mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, programming, and computer science were separate fields, and mechatronics equipment did not yet exist. After introducing the visitor to these individual disciplines and allowing them to see some sectors without mechatronics integration, the journey moves to the second phase, where the three fields are merged, making mechatronics evident in both products and equipment. Several mechatronics projects and entertainment games, such as robots, will be showcased. This is followed by the final phase, which envisions the future of mechatronics. There will also be a number of future-focused projects and entertaining games.
Sumo Robot Competition
The Sumo Robot competition is a contest between two robots with specific criteria, where each robot aims to push the other out of the circular ring.
Engineering Students Reception – Cohort of 2024
The Mechatronics Group set up a booth presenting information about the Mechatronics major during this event. In addition, they showcased the group’s various activities.
Graduation Project Workshop
The Mechatronics Group, in collaboration with the Engineering Society, organized a workshop targeting final-year Mechatronics Engineering students working on their graduation projects. The workshop was delivered by alumnus Qusai Al Balushi, who discussed the stages of the project, expected challenges, teamwork tips, and the importance of collaboration. Attendees also asked many questions.
Majors Exhibition 2024/2025
The Mechatronics Society had a booth in the Majors Exhibition organized by Sultan Qaboos University. Mechatronics students provided a comprehensive explanation of the major and its connections to Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Robotics. They also clarified the specialization’s fields and its significance. In addition, they explained job opportunities available for Mechatronics Engineering graduates and provided a detailed overview of the roles and responsibilities engineers in this field may take on. Part of the booth was dedicated to showcasing inspiring student projects, including one of the graduation projects.
Opening Event
The group held an opening event to announce and promote its upcoming activities. During the event, the group introduced its plans and encouraged attendees to join. The event also featured various enjoyable competitions.
Bash Muhandis
The Mechatronics Group, in collaboration with the Electrical and Computer Engineering groups, organized four workshops targeting over 100 children aged 7 to 12 years. These workshops focused on electrical circuits, sensors, robotics, and programming. The sessions were delivered by students from the Electrical and Mechatronics Engineering departments, providing an engaging and enriching educational experience for participants.
Mechatronics Exhibition Workshop 1
This workshop provided an overview of the responsibilities of the exhibition committee, a simple explanation of the graduate booth, and a presentation about the previous Mechatronics exhibition. Group discussions were also held to brainstorm initial ideas for the upcoming exhibition scheduled for February 2025.
Mechatron Forum – Arduino Workshop
This workshop, presented by Mohammed Al-Harassi, introduced participants to the basics of Arduino, its applications, and practical uses. Attendees gained hands-on experience with Arduino, including tasks such as lighting LED bulbs and using sensors.
Mechatron Forum – Drone Workshop
Presented by engineers Idris Al-Shabibi and Sultan Al-Amri, Mechatronics Engineering graduates from the university, this workshop covered types of drones and their operating principles. Participants also engaged in a simulation exercise on laptops to gain practical insights into drone technology.
Mechatron Forum – SolidWorks Workshop
Led by Mechatronics students Ward Al-Wardi and Mazen Al-Kindi, this workshop focused on the basics and applications of SolidWorks software. Participants were guided in creating 2D and 3D models using the program.
Robotics Camp
The Robotics Camp was designed to introduce beginners to the field of robotics, focusing on fundamental principles and applications using educational robots. The camp concluded with a competitive day where participants showcased their skills and competed in various challenges.