Preparation of masters’ students of direction 15.04.06 “Mechatronics and robotics” to research and development activities

For effective preparation of highly-qualified specialists in the field of mechatronics and robotics, capable of carrying out professional support for research and development (R & D), it is necessary to implement the education program that reveals the structure and sequence of pedagogical tasks related to the ultimate goals of preparing masters for research and development activities. The essence of R & D in the field of mechatronics and robotics aimed to create innovative tools with elements of artificial intelligence is given. The organization of science-intensive productions and the development of the aggregate-technological complex is briefly described. The labor functions of an undergraduate are presented in the framework of research and development correlated to the main stages of R & D, as well as a list of professional competencies that must be formed. The stages of education content interiorization are determined. They are mastering of knowledge; mastering of skills; forming of master's student readiness to carry out professional activities. The main purpose of the research is to offer a set of solutions and proposals aimed to organize the preparation of graduates for research and development. The guidelines contain the examples of R & D topics, their goals and the results achieved. The required qualifications of R & D agents are examined. Recommendations to the departments and scientific advisors of R & D are given. Three stages of R & D are described that result in master's thesis defense, and each stage is assigned to the functions being performed. A three-step sequential structure of the second stage is proposed. The achievement of results is complicated by the unstable economic and educational situation, as well as by the violation of the traditional “technical university - production unit” ties. However, the strict adherence to the recommendations, the collaborative efforts of the representatives of the university, technology sector and R & D executors, expressed in the graph presented, will help to overcome the challenges, and to become the most prepared and independent specialist.