Manufacturing, materials and mechatronics engineering

RMIT’s courses in manufacturing, materials and mechatronics focus on imperative future technologies including automation technologies, advanced manufacturing, materials technology and the development of sustainable engineering systems. All are underpinned by expertise and knowledge in the latest technology and advances in engineering.

RMIT is ranked in the top 150 in the world for manufacturing engineering (QS world rankings by subject 2020).

Industry 4.0 and increased automation are shaking the status quo. Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, 3D printing and increased computer power are creating new opportunities to shape the world.

As automation increases across many industry sectors, engineers with experience in robotics and mechatronics will be highly sought after in the future.

Studying advanced manufacturing at RMIT prepares students for a changing future and for a career in many industries such as food processing, automotive and aerospace industries, and engineering and management consultancies.

Sustainability issues are the focus of the Sustainable Systems Engineering program, which approaches engineering challenges to climate change focusing on renewable energy and transport.

Our courses are informed by industry professionals through Industry Advisory Committees and constantly adapt to industry needs.

Our students are exposed to real-life engineering via projects, placements and internships with our industry partners such as Sutton Tools, New Touch Industries, Asahi Beverages, Ford Motor Company, V/line and Mesh and Bar.

Professor Stuart Bateman — Associate Dean Manufacturing, Materials and Mechatronics Engineering

What is advanced manufacturing, materials, mechatronics and sustainablesystems engineering?

This discipline focuses on industry challenges by combining advanced manufacturing, materials technology, mechanical design, programming and electronics engineering principles to design automated assembly systems and processes.

Mechatronics and manufacturing engineers design and improve systems that turn raw materials into products in an efficient way. Students learn to design, build and implement smart mechatronics and robotic systems and advanced manufacturing processes.

Sustainable systems engineers protect, restore and create engineered and natural systems that are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

We also offer a master's in engineering management, where students learn how to develop a commercial proposal, design a strategic business plan to improve organisational productivity, or enhance competitive advantage in a technology context.

Using mechatronics engineering to solve problems with Jaweed Kakae

“For me, engineering is finding that barrier where most people stop.”

Our courses

Explore a broad range of areas, including materials and machining, automation, robotics and control, sustainable systems, and engineering management.

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Research

Our research provides industry with cutting-edge solutions for high performance, net-shaped products with increased functionality produced using the latest industrial automation technologies.

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Beyond the classroom

Industry 4.0 summer school

Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronic undergraduate students can take part in a summer school program, co-delivered with FH Aachen, to learn about the strategies of Industry 4.0. Limited scholarships are available to also complete the summer school in Germany.

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Capstone projects

All students studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at RMIT complete a year-long engineering capstone project in their final year to create innovative engineering solutions to real-world problems, which they present at EnGenius.

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Humanitarian Engineering: Helping remote communities in Fiji

Engineering and Science students have the opportunity to go to Fiji, where they conduct field research and work to address local issues such as accessing safe water supply or waste management.

Meet our people

Meet Dr Tu Le

Lecturer in mechatronics engineering, Dr Tu Le has a passion for using computer coding to create a positive impact on the community and nurture the next generation of STEM professionals.

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Meet Professor Alireza Bab-Hadiashar

Professor Alireza Bab-Hadiashar is an internationally-recognised researcher in computer vision and intelligent robotics. He assists students in finding projects that suit their interests.

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Manufacturing, material and mechatronics engineering contacts

Meet the academic and research staff in the Manufacturing, material and mechatronics engineering discipline.

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Advanced Manufacturing Precinct

Our students have access to the state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Precinct (AMP).

Housing some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies available, the AMP brings design and engineering together, from digital design to digital manufacturing. We focus on 3D printing of advanced high value add products and components.

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News

Study lead author Dr Jiaming Ma holding the cardboard-confined rammed earth material.

Cardboard and earth reshape sustainable construction

22 Sep 2025

Engineers in Australia have developed a new building material with about one quarter of concrete’s carbon footprint, while reducing waste going to landfill.

Australian solar panel recycling tech on show in Spain

13 Jun 2024

Australian researchers are developing solutions to recycle solar panels and recover strategic metals including silver and copper.

news-rmit-lead-researchers-printed-titanium-alloy-1220px.jpg

New ‘designer’ titanium alloys made using 3D printing

01 Jun 2023

A team of researchers has created a new class of titanium alloys that are strong and not brittle under tension, by integrating alloy and 3D-printing process designs.

Titanium leg gives old dog a new leash on life

26 Oct 2020

A 3D-printed titanium bone implant is giving a senior rescue dog a new leash on life, thanks to RMIT University engineers and vets from The University of Queensland.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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