Abstract
In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, the world is undergoing rapid social change. The purpose of this study is to predict the expected changes and necessary competencies and desired curriculum and teaching methods in the field of mechanical engineering in the near future. The research method was a Delphi study. It was conducted three times with 20 mechanical engineering experts. The results of the study are as follows: In the field of mechanical engineering, it will be increased the situational awareness by the use of measurement sensors, development of computer applications, flexibility and optimization by user's needs and mechanical equipment, and demand for robots equipped with AI. The mechanical engineer's career perspectives will be positive, but if it is stable, it will be a crisis. Therefore active response is needed. The competencies required in the field of mechanical engineering include collaborative skills, complex problem solving skills, self-directed learning skills, problem finding skills, creativity, communication skills, convergent thinking skills, and system engineering skills. The undergraduate curriculum to achieve above competencies includes four major dynamics, basic science, programming coding education, convergence education, data processing education, and cyber physical system education. Preferred mechanical engineering teaching methods include project-based learning, hands-on education, problem-based learning, team-based collaborative learning, experiment-based education, and software-assisted education. The mechanical engineering community and the government should be concerned about the education for mechanical engineers with the necessary competencies in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution, which will make global competitiveness in the mechanical engineering fields.
