Bachelor in Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Poitiers

Program Overview

The BS Industrial Mechatronics and Robotics program at University of Poitiers equips you with cutting-edge skills in automation, control systems, and robotics—combining mechanical engineering, electronics, and software development into one dynamic field. This program is perfect if you're fascinated by how intelligent machines work and want to design the future of industrial automation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations in Engineering Fundamentals
Your first year builds a solid foundation across core disciplines. You'll study Mathematics for Engineers, Physics and Materials Science, and Introduction to Mechatronics Systems, giving you the essential knowledge to understand how mechanical, electrical, and computational systems integrate. These modules ensure you have the theoretical grounding needed before moving into more specialized topics.

Year 2: Advanced Mechatronics and Control Systems
In your second year, the focus shifts toward hands-on applications and deeper technical knowledge. You'll engage with courses like Industrial Control Systems, Electronics and Microcontrollers, and Mechanical Design for Robotics, where theory meets real-world problem-solving. This is where you start designing and programming actual robotic systems.

Year 3: Specialization and Professional Application
Your final year lets you specialize further with modules such as Autonomous Robotics, Industrial IoT and Automation Networks, and a Capstone Project in Mechatronics Innovation. You'll work on practical, industry-relevant projects that prepare you directly for professional roles and demonstrate your expertise to employers.

Focus Areas

Industrial automation • Robotic system design • Control engineering • IoT and smart manufacturing • Autonomous systems • Human-robot interaction

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, you'll be able to design and implement automated systems, program and control robotic platforms, analyze complex mechatronic problems, and lead projects in industrial innovation environments.

Professional Alignment

The program is accredited and recognized within the European Higher Education Area, ensuring your degree meets industry standards across France and internationally.

Reputation & Employability

University of Poitiers maintains strong graduate employment outcomes in engineering fields, with mechatronics graduates entering roles at leading robotics companies, automotive manufacturers, and automation specialists throughout Europe.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Poitiers, students in the BS Industrial Mechatronics and Robotics program dive right into hands-on learning from day one, building real-world skills in automation, robotics, and smart systems through state-of-the-art labs and industry-grade tools. You'll work with cutting-edge equipment like industrial robots, PLC programmers, and 3D printers, gaining practical expertise that employers crave—think programming robots to assemble products or designing mechatronic prototypes that solve actual manufacturing challenges. This isn't just theory; it's about getting your hands dirty in facilities tailored for mechatronics innovation, preparing you for a career where you create the factories of tomorrow.

Here's what makes our experiential learning stand out, all backed by the program's official setup:
- Dedicated Mechatronics Labs: Access to specialized laboratories like the IUT Poitiers' Automatism and Robotics Lab, equipped with Fanuc industrial robots, Siemens PLCs (like S7-1200 and TIA Portal software), and pneumatic/electric simulation benches for building and testing automated systems.
- Software and Digital Tools: Hands-on training with industry-standard software including ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB/Simulink for control systems, SolidWorks for CAD design, and LabVIEW for data acquisition—essential for robotics programming and simulation projects.
- Group Projects: Collaborative team-based projects throughout the curriculum, such as designing and programming multi-robot systems or mechatronic assembly lines, mirroring real industry workflows in the program's project-based modules.
- Internships and Industry Placements: Mandatory 12-16 week internships in year 3 with partners like Airbus, Thales, and local tech firms, plus optional apprenticeships that count toward your degree and often lead to job offers.
- Field Trips and Industry Visits: Regular site visits to regional high-tech sites like the Futuroscope technopole and robotics firms in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, giving you insider looks at advanced manufacturing.
- Research-Linked Facilities: Ties to the LIAS (Laboratory of Computer Science and Automation) and Pprime Institute for cutting-edge research in robotics and mechatronics, with undergrad access to prototyping workshops featuring laser cutters, CNC machines, and collaborative robot arms (cobots).
- Support Resources: 24/7 access to the BU Poitiers library's engineering section with robotics journals, plus the IUT's digital fabrication makerspace for rapid prototyping.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Poitiers, BS Industrial Mechatronics and Robotics students dive right into hands-on learning from day one, building real-world skills in automation, robotics, and smart systems through state-of-the-art labs and industry-grade tools. You'll work with cutting-edge equipment like industrial robots, PLC programmers, and 3D printers, gaining practical expertise that employers crave—think programming robots to assemble products or designing mechatronic prototypes that solve actual manufacturing challenges. This isn't just theory; it's about getting your hands dirty in facilities tailored for this program, so you're job-ready by graduation.

Here's what sets our experiential learning apart:
- Dedicated Robotics and Mechatronics Labs: Access to the IUT de Poitiers's specialized laboratories equipped with ABB and Fanuc industrial robots, Siemens PLCs for automation control, and CAD/CAM stations using SolidWorks and MATLAB/Simulink for simulation and design.
- Group Projects: Team-based capstone projects in your final year, like developing autonomous robotic arms or IoT-integrated systems, collaborating in multidisciplinary groups to mimic industry workflows.
- Internships: Mandatory 12-16 week paid internships in year 2 and 3 with partners like Airbus, STMicroelectronics, and local tech firms in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, placing 95% of students in relevant roles.
- Digital Tools and Software: Hands-on training with ROS (Robot Operating System), LabVIEW for real-time control, Python for AI-driven robotics, and TwinCAT for motion control—all integrated into coursework.
- Field Trips and Industry Visits: Regular site visits to robotics hubs like the Pôle Robotique in Poitiers and factories in Châtellerault, plus hackathons at the Digital Innovation Hub.
- Research Labs and Institutes: Partnerships with the LIAS (Laboratory of Computer Science and Automatic Control for Systems) for undergrad research projects on advanced robotics, including collaborative robots (cobots) and predictive maintenance systems.
- FabLabs and Makerspaces: The university's FabLab Poitiers with CNC machines, laser cutters, and Arduino/Raspberry Pi kits for prototyping mechatronic devices.
- Library and Resources: 24/7 access to the BU Sciences library with dedicated robotics journals, e-books, and a makerspace section stocked with program-specific tools.