The Invisible Power of the Digital Factory: Mechatronics
As automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence rapidly expand across industry, a new issue has emerged at the very center of this transformation: the establishment of a Mechatronics Professional Chamber.
Düzgün Arslan, Director of Yeditepe University Vocational School, explained why mechatronics engineers and technicians need a dedicated and institutional professional body.
“Mechatronics Is Everywhere, Yet Largely Unrecognized”
Düzgün Arslan noted that mechatronics often operates unnoticed despite its central role and described the scope of the profession:
“Mechatronics stands at the intersection of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and information technologies. Today, mechatronics is present in every automated production line, every smart system, and every digital factory. However, this multidisciplinary structure makes institutional representation of the profession difficult.”
According to Arslan, as digitalization accelerates, the importance of mechatronics grows exponentially. Complex, interconnected, and constantly evolving production processes require interdisciplinary expertise more than ever before.
“A Single Institutional Framework Is Essential”
Dr. Hamdullah Merdane, Vice Director of Yeditepe University Vocational School, underlined that mechatronics engineers and technicians are currently scattered across different professional chambers and structures and remain inadequately represented:
“This situation makes it difficult to protect professional rights and prevents the establishment of common standards. A Mechatronics Professional Chamber is necessary to bring this professional group together under a single institutional framework.”
The proposed chamber is described not merely as a professional association, but as a structure that safeguards quality, professional reputation, and the public interest..
What Would the Professional Chamber Do?
According to Dr. Hamdullah Merdane, the core responsibilities of a Mechatronics Professional Chamber should include:
- Supporting mechatronics activities that serve the public and environmental interests
- Protecting the rights and professional reputation of practitioners
- Contributing to expert witness and inspection processes
- Providing opinions to public authorities and the judiciary during legislative and regulatory processes
- Monitoring the quality of mechatronics services
- Reviewing international professional competency and accreditation frameworks
“This structure would benefit both the public and professionals,” said Düzgün Arslan, Director of Yeditepe University Vocational School, drawing particular attention to its role in legal support and standard setting..
Legal Support and Mediation for Members
Under the proposed model, the professional chamber would provide not only technical support but also legal assistance to its members. This framework includes free legal consultancy, updates on regulatory changes, guidance on fee structures and public procurement law, and mediation mechanisms for professional disputes.
“Professionals should focus on their work in the field. They should not be left alone to navigate legal uncertainties,” said Arslan, stressing that such support would be especially critical for recent graduates.
Emphasis on Lifelong Education
Pointing out that knowledge in the field of mechatronics becomes outdated rapidly, Arslan highlighted lifelong education as indispensable:
“A technology you learn today may change within a few years. The Professional Chamber should plan and oversee lifelong education, from seminars and courses to workshops and technical visits.”
Occupational health and safety, sustainability, software, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence are listed among the priority areas for training programs.
A Proposal for a Germany-Style Internship Model
Another key role of the Professional Chamber would be to act as a bridge between education and industry. Arslan referred to the German model, particularly in the context of compulsory internships and workplace training:
“In Germany, professional chambers define vocational competency and internship standards. In our system, companies offering internships should meet specific criteria, and compliance should be monitored.”
Within this framework, it is proposed that host companies employ qualified instructors, maintain appropriate equipment, and provide formal reporting at the end of training periods..
“A Profession of the Present Must Gain Institutional Ground”
According to Düzgün Arslan, mechatronics is not the profession of the future but of the present. However, sustaining its impact requires a solid institutional structure.
“A Mechatronics Professional Chamber is not merely a demand. It is a shared necessity for both industry and education. This profession must not be left without representation.”