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    Introduction to Mechatronics
    In-person Program

    Introduction to Mechatronics

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Introduction to Mechatronics is a hands-on engineering course at Brown that combines mechanics, electronics, and coding to build systems that move, sense, and react.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Introduction to Mechatronics at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Students completing grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $5,786; $4,482

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    EngineeringComputer ScienceTechnology
    Language: English
    Accommodation: University residence halls or commuter option
    Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
    Certificate: Digital CeCertificate of Completion
    Sessions / cadence: 3-hour weekday classes; 2-3-hour daily homework
    Assessment: Instructor Course Performance Report
    Teaching support: Instructor and teaching assistant

    Introduction to Mechatronics summary

    Brown's Introduction to Mechatronics connects mechanics, electronics, and coding through practical engineering. Students design systems that move, sense, and react, using projects and experiments to connect concepts with working devices.

    The strongest fit is someone who wants to understand how hardware and software work together. Building circuits and programming components offers a practical way to explore engineering interests before choosing a more specialized direction.

    What is Introduction to Mechatronics?

    Introduction to Mechatronics is a Brown University Summer@Brown course focused on the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and coding. Its hands-on approach asks students to design and build smart systems that move, sense, and react, with robotic arms and automated vehicles offered as examples.

    Projects and experiments develop practical skills in circuits, programming, and mechanical design. A student account also describes microcontrollers, sensors, motors, actuators, and hardware-software integration, showing how the course connects physics concepts with engineering practice.

    Why Succeed highlights Introduction to Mechatronics

    • Building responsive systems makes the connection between mechanics, electronics, and coding concrete.

    • Projects and experiments offer a practical way to test engineering interests beyond classroom theory.

    • Instructor and teaching assistant support accompanies work with circuits and programmable components.

    • A digital completion certificate and instructor performance report provide a record of participation and engagement.

    • Residential and commuter options let families choose between living on campus and traveling to class.

    Who is Introduction to Mechatronics for?

    Best for

    Students curious about how code, circuits, and moving mechanisms combine in real devices, especially those exploring different engineering directions.

    Not ideal if

    You want a lecture-only experience, formal college credit, or a tightly supervised daily routine outside class.

    Is Introduction to Mechatronics worth it?

    This course is worth considering if you want practical experience connecting engineering disciplines before committing to a narrower subject. Designing and building responsive systems can help you identify whether you enjoy circuits, programming, mechanical design, or their combination.

    The value depends on using the projects, instructor support, and independent study time actively. It is a non-credit course, and Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission, so judge it by the learning experience rather than an expected admissions advantage.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $5,786; $4,482; includes Hands-on classes, projects, and experiments., Residential housing and breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily., One daily on-campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report..

    Accommodation

    University residence halls or commuter option

    Meals

    Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Introduction to Mechatronics need?

    Effort level

    High daily commitment.

    Best started

    Begin organizing essays, grades, and travel six to eight weeks before the next application deadline once announced.

    Main challenge

    Combining hands-on engineering work with independent time management.

    Typical preparation

    • Review basic circuit concepts and try a small coding exercise before attending.

    • Gather current and previous academic-year grades and draft your own application essay.

    • Allow additional preparation time if you need English proficiency testing or accessibility arrangements.

    • Plan travel and agree on a family communication routine before arrival.

    Useful if

    You want to connect physics concepts with circuits, code, and working mechanisms.

    What do students do on Introduction to Mechatronics?

    You use projects and experiments to connect mechanics, electronics, and coding in responsive devices. The work brings together circuit building, programmable components, and mechanical design.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore how mechanical, electronic, and software components work together.

    2. 2

      Build circuits and program microcontrollers.

    3. 3

      Work with sensors, motors, and actuators.

    4. 4

      Integrate hardware and software into systems that move, sense, and react.

    Introduction to Mechatronics dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    Extended general deadline; 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22 June-2 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College general application cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Final notifications for the general application cycle.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9-12.

    • Ages 14-18 by June 14, 2026.

    • Strong English language proficiency.

    • Admission to Brown Pre-College and separate course enrollment.

    • Required immunizations for in-person participation.

    How much does Introduction to Mechatronics cost?

    Residential program fee

    $5,786 — 2026 total for the two-week residential option.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $4,482 — 2026 total for the two-week commuter option.
    • Application fee: $80 — Separate non-refundable fee; qualifying applicants may request a waiver.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Non-refundable payment required before course enrollment.
    • Sibley Scholarship: Need-based assistance — Separate application; supports one course for qualifying admitted students.
    • Conditional insurance fee: $80 — Required for international students and U.S. students without accepted coverage.

    What's included

    Hands-on classes, projects, and experiments., Residential housing and breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily., One daily on-campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report.

    How to apply to Introduction to Mechatronics

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account in Brown's student portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and write an original 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.

    4. 4

      Submit any required English proficiency results and any indicated recommendation.

    5. 5

      Pay the application fee or request a qualifying waiver.

    6. 6

      Monitor your portal and email for missing materials and the admission decision.

    7. 7

      After admission, confirm your course choice before paying the deposit and enrolling separately.

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    What does Introduction to Mechatronics cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Mechanics and mechanical design

    Explore the mechanical design behind systems that move and respond.

    Electronics and circuits

    Build circuits and work with electronic components in practical projects.

    Coding and microcontrollers

    Practice programming microcontrollers and connecting software with hardware.

    Responsive smart systems

    Combine sensors, motors, and actuators in systems that sense and react.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Introduction to Mechatronics?

    A typical day during the program.

    Classes

    Three hours of class daily, with morning or afternoon meeting times depending on the course.

    Independent work

    Complete at least two to three hours of homework or project work outside class.

    Residential check in

    Check in face to face at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Introduction to Mechatronics?

    A student account identifies both an instructor and a teaching assistant supporting the mechatronics course. Summer@Brown also provides instructor office hours for discussing course content and assignments.

    Where do students stay on Introduction to Mechatronics?

    Residential plan

    • University residence halls: Furnished rooms include an extra-long twin bed, desk, wireless internet, and portable or central air conditioning.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
    • Residential staff support: Resident Assistants and trained staff provide support, with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
    • Activities and facilities: Program activities, excursions, and fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access are included.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter attendance: Attend the same on-campus course while arranging your own overnight accommodation.
    • Daily meal and facilities: Commuter fees include one dining-hall meal daily and fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access.
    • Campus access and transport: Use campus study spaces, join program activities, and access RIPTA transportation with your Brown ID.

    Rooms may be single, double, or triple occupancy; roommate requests are not honored.

    What happens after Introduction to Mechatronics?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop practical foundations for college-level engineering.

    Build smart-system engineering projects.

    Clarify interests across mechanics, electronics, and coding.

    Earn a digital CeCertificate after successful completion.

    Receive an instructor Course Performance Report.

    The course is non-credit and does not confer an undergraduate admissions advantage at Brown.

    Where does Introduction to Mechatronics take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Families arrange transportation to and from campus; commuter students can use RIPTA transportation with their Brown ID during the course.

    Introduction to Mechatronics FAQs

    You will combine mechanics, electronics, and coding through projects and experiments. The course develops skills in circuits, programming, and mechanical design.

    The course describes smart systems that move, sense, and react, with robotic arms and automated vehicles as examples. These examples illustrate the project focus rather than guarantee an identical build for every student.

    Summer@Brown on-campus courses involve three hours of class each weekday and at least two to three hours of homework daily. Attendance is required, including the first and last classes.

    Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with one on-campus meal daily, campus resources and activities, and fitness, athletic, and aquatics access. Commuters do not receive overnight housing and can use RIPTA transportation with their Brown ID.

    Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not issue a university transcript. Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion, and this two-week course also qualifies for an instructor Course Performance Report.

    Admission to Brown Pre-College and enrollment in a course are separate steps. Admission does not guarantee a seat in a particular course, so students should confirm their course choice before paying the non-refundable deposit.

    Residential students live in staffed residence halls and complete nightly check-ins. Staff are on call around the clock, while students are expected to manage their studies, daily routines, and permitted independent travel responsibly.

    Sibley Scholarships provide need-based assistance for eligible admitted students and may support one course per year. Awards depend on financial need and available funds; international students are not eligible, and recipients must still pay the non-refundable deposit.

    Alternatives to Introduction to Mechatronics

    Compare these options if you want broader engineering, mechanical engineering, or an online route into a related subject.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

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    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Pre-College Course Catalog Brown University
    • Sibley Scholarships | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Fee Waivers | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Pre-College Program | Brown University

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity confirmed

    • Session dates checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Residential and commuter fees matched

    • Application requirements reviewed

    • Scholarship conditions checked

    • Housing and welfare reviewed

    • Completion credentials verified

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.