Aims and Characteristics

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers two undergraduate programmes, namely the BEng (Hons) in Intelligent Robotics Engineering and the BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, both structured under the BEng (Hons) Scheme in Mechanical Engineering. Students admitted to the Scheme will study together for the first two years and then complete their preferred programme (one of the two programmes above) from the third year onwards (normally within two years). This arrangement gives them complete flexibility and allows them to make their own choice of study after better understanding the programmes and their career prospects. There is no quota restriction on the number of students enrolled in the BEng (Hons) in Intelligent Robotics Engineering or the BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering.

BEng (Hons) in Intelligent Robotics Engineering

Programme Aims and Learning Outcomes

Intelligent robotics is an emerging engineering discipline that advances many of the systems that underpin modern society, such as autonomous manufacturing systems, automated consumer products, automated experimental systems, intelligent vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT), healthcare, medical devices, and many more. The BEng (Hons) in Intelligent Robotics Engineering programme is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and aims to produce highly skilled engineers in the field of intelligent robotics for local and global industries. This programme is expected to stimulate the local economy and contribute to Hong Kong’s re-industrialisation efforts. Graduates of the programme are expected to

• identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems using innovative robotic technology;
• apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to the development of robot systems;
• design and conduct experiments, analyse data, and interpret results; 
• create intelligent robot systems with creative solutions to meet specific requirements; and
• effectively use modern engineering tools, techniques, and computational resources.

Programme Characteristics

The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects and areas of interest, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded education in this cutting-edge field. The key features include

1. Advanced Intelligent Systems: This course delves into the intricacies of designing and developing advanced intelligent systems. Students will explore topics such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cognitive robotics.
2. Intelligent Sensing and Actuation Technologies: Students will learn how to integrate sensors, actuators, and other components to enable intelligent decision-making and precise control.
3. Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing: Students will learn about robotic automation, flexible manufacturing systems, and collaborative robots (cobots), and will also explore topics related to human–robot interaction and safety considerations.
4. Robot Mechanisms and Motion: Students will gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of robot kinematics, dynamics, and motion planning, equipping them with the necessary skills to optimise robot performance.
5. Networked Robots and IoT: The fusion of robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) opens new possibilities for intelligent systems. This course explores the integration of robotics and IoT technologies, enabling students to develop innovative solutions that harness the power of interconnected devices and smart environments. 

BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering

Programme Aims and Learning Outcomes

We aim to train professional mechanical engineers capable of using up-to-date technology to solve and manage multidisciplinary engineering problems for various engineering/business sectors. Graduates of the programme are expected to

• learn to apply scientific principles and carry out engineering analyses and designs to solve complex problems typical of mechanical engineering;
• be able to use computers as tools to solve engineering problems;
• be able to formulate technical problems mathematically and analyse engineering systems;
• be able to correctly select the most suitable materials and methods – i.e., those that are safe, environmentally and aesthetically acceptable, and economically competitive – for systems/products and for their design and manufacture;
• have the skills needed to think innovatively and creatively and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and
• appreciate the ethical and societal responsibilities of engineers, the importance of lifelong learning, the concepts related to continuous quality improvement, and the continuing effect of globalisation of the design, manufacture, and marketing of technical goods and services.

Programme Characteristics

After receiving a broad and solid foundation in areas such as physics, mathematics, computing, engineering sciences, design and manufacturing, our students are able to apply their knowledge and skills to the following clusters:

1. Aerospace Engineering
2. Environmental and Energy Engineering
3. Manufacturing, Materials and Mechanics

In both programmes

• we use a teaching approach focused on learning outcomes;
• students are required to complete industrial training and Work-Integrated Education; and
• students can also opt for summer placements in local industries or overseas companies.

All admitted students will follow a Common Year One curriculum. Towards the end of Year One, students can choose to continue with their initial choice or switch to another choice within the Faculty of Engineering. Those who wish to switch can choose their preferred departmental scheme/programme through a ranking assessment.