NODE Mechatronics is a collaboration with the University of Agder that aims to help southern Norway become a world-leading mechatronics region.

The collaboration with the University of Agder (UiA) is a priority for the project, and the project management are very pleased that it is now possible to offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and PhDs in the subject. Our experience is that the research environment is gaining recognition as a good option for students, and that collaboration with companies is highlighted as being important when marketing courses. The mechatronics group at UiA, along with the NODE companies, now constitutes the fastest-growing research environment for mechatronics in Scandinavia.

Over the previous year, the project has worked with the following:

• Identifying and prioritising new R&D projects and the need for laboratory facilities
• Establishing an annual mechatronics seminar to build expertise in the cluster and to increase the visibility of the technologically advanced environment that we have in the south of Norway. The first conference was held in September 2010
• Profiling mechatronics at career days at UiA
• Producing a mechatronics film that all actors in the cluster can use for publicity purposes.
• Developing the subject specification for the new professor in the sponsored professorship at UiA
• Establishing a trainee scheme for mechatronics students

UiA has offered Master’s degrees in mechatronics since 2008, and the PhD programme started in 2010. Specialists from NODE companies have taken an active part in developing the syllabi at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels in mechatronics. This close collaboration with business is unique, resulting in a relevant education that means that new graduates have a strong position in the battle for jobs at NODE companies.

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