Lynchburg’s Randolph College has introduced a groundbreaking four-year engineering degree in robotics and mechatronics, blending traditional engineering disciplines with cutting-edge technology. The program, which launched last fall, features new engineering courses and a state-of-the-art robotics laboratory.
“Students can create anything their imagination serves them,” says Peter Sheldon, physics and engineering professor at Randolph. The new lab houses advanced equipment, including 3D printers, metalworking machines, and robotic arms, offering students immediate hands-on experience with the tools of their future trade.
Mechatronics, a term combining “mechanical” and “electronics,” represents an emerging interdisciplinary field that integrates mechanics, electronics, computing, and systems engineering. The program’s robotics focus specifically targets the design, construction, and operation of smart machines.
What sets Randolph’s program apart is its liberal arts foundation. While students build strong technical skills in engineering, computer science, physics, and mathematics, they also develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and effective communication skills—essential qualities for future industry leaders.
The program’s intimate learning environment offers distinct advantages over larger universities. “While large universities boast massive labs, most of their undergraduates will never set foot in them,” Sheldon notes. At Randolph, professors work closely with students to create customized hands-on research experiences.
Graduates will be well-positioned for careers across various industries, including telecommunications, agriculture, transportation, biotechnology, automotive, national security, and renewable energy—all sectors that increasingly rely on mechatronics expertise. The program aims to prepare students not just for their first job, but for long-term career advancement and continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field. RandolphCollege.edu
This article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue.
