Mechatronics Engineering : Introduction
Mechatronics is centered on the disciplines of mechanics, electronics,
controls and computers which, when combined make possible the generation of simpler,
more economical, reliable and versatile commercial and industrial products. The
term was first used in 1969 in Japan, but has become more common in the last
twenty years, as traditional mechanical products became increasingly governed by
electronic and computer control. It is said that the term 'mechatronics' was
invented by a Japanese engineer Tetsura Mori who worked for Yasakava company.
Mechatronics is a field of engineering that focuses on the design and production
of automated equipment.
Mechatronic engineering is an interdisciplinary engineering field which is
the combination of computer, electrical, electronics and mechanical engineering
that serves the purpose of controlling advanced hybrid systems. In other words,
Mechatronics is a branch of engineering that incorporates the ideas of
mechanical and electronic engineering into one entity, and in particular cover
those areas of engineering concerned with the increasing integration of
mechanical, electronic, and software engineering into a production process. It
is also called Robotic Science. Mechatronics engineering is an integrated
approach to the design of computer controlled electro-mechanical systems. The
field of mechatronics integrates the operations, skills and tools of mechanical
engineering with those of electrical and computer engineering. It unites the
principles of mechanics, electronics and computing, and the end purpose is to
design a simpler and more economical system.
A typical mechatronic system is characterised by close integration of the
mechanical components, electronic sensors, mechanical and electrical actuators
and computer controllers. Mechatronics because of its usefulness is now proving
to be one of the most functional of the various existing engineering
disciplines. A mechatronics graduate can utilize his multiple skills for system
designing, and manufacturing the products by incorporating control, electronic
and computer devices. Mechatronic engineers design and implement mechanical
devices that combine mechanics, software design and electronics. Mechatronics
engineers are mechanics, electrical engineers and electronicians all at the same
time. A well trained graduate in the field of mechatronics can fulfill all
needs of the technical industry.
These systems are found in numerous industry sectors where mechanical and
electronic engineering are interfaced with computer systems, such as aerospace,
automotive, chemical processing, computers, communications, electronics,
healthcare, manufacturing and mining. Examples of mechatronic systems are
robots, digitally controlled combustion engines, machine tools with
self-adaptive tools, contact-free magnetic bearings, automated guided vehicles
etc.
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