What is Mechatronics?

Published on 06 November 2011

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What is mechatronics engineering? -
Mechatronics definition.
Mechatronics is a synergistic combination of precision
engineering, electronic control and mechanic systems.
It is the science, that exists at the interface among the
other five disciplines:
mechanics
electronics
informatics
automation
robotics
It is one of the most dynamically developing fields of
technology and science. The word 'mechatronics'
appeared for the first time in Japan in 1969.
mechatronics = mechanics + electronics + computing
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Mechatronics - the genesis
The term mechatronics was introduced to the technical
terminology by the Japanese company Yaskawa Elektric
Corporation (a company founded in 1915) and since
1971 it has been protected as a trade name.
Mechatronics in the initial period was understood as the
design and construction activities involving the
inclusion of electronic components and systems to the
functional structure of various precision mechanisms.
In 1982, Yaskawa Elektric Co.. resigned from the
patent protection of its trademark and from now on we
can all use this term. Today it means mechatronics
engineering activities including designing, testing and
operation of machinery and equipment, in which there
is a high level of functional integration of mechanical
systems with electronics and computer control.
Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field, combining in a
synergistic manner the classical knowledge of
mechanical engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics,
electronics, optics and computer science. The aim of
mechatronics is to improve the functionality of
technical systems and the creation of new concepts of
machinery and equipment with built-in 'artificial
intelligence'. In various literature sources several
definitions of mechatronics can be found, almost all of
them put the emphasis on the functional integration of
mechanical actuators with electronics and computer
control, eg:
mechatronics includes programmable electronic devices
and electromechanical systems for embedded,
distributed structure of the sensors, processing signals,
actuators and communications.
Isermann [1] defines mechatronics as a combination of
knowledge from three disciplines - mechanics,
electronics and computer science.



Mechatronics was formed in the engineery environment
of automation and robotics, where the 'mechanical' way
of solving the design was not adequate to the
expectations and opportunities that provide other areas
of technology, particularly electronics, optoelectronics,
materials engineering, especially computer science [2].
Mechatronics engineering may be regarded as a
modern approach to automation techniques for the
broadly defined needs of engineering and education. It
can be assumed that mechatronics is an
interdisciplinary field of science and technology, dealing
with general problems of mechanics, electronics and
informatics. However, it contains too many
related mechatronicareas that form the foundation of
mechatronics and cover many well-known disciplines
such as electrical engineering, power electronics, digital
technology, microprocessor technology, and other
techniques. Mechatronics engineering provides an
opportunity, not only humanization of machines, but
also it changes the mindset and the approach to
technological issues and most importantly teaching new
technologies and ways of acquiring knowledge and
skills. The most important feature
of mechatronic devices is the ability to process and
communicate information accurately in a form of
different types of signals (mechanical, electrical,
hydraulic, pneumatic, optical, chemical, biological),
with high level of automation of these devices.
The basic assumption for the design of mechatronic
devices is the acquisition by the device itself which is
responsible for the lower levels of the process (task) to
allow the user to focus on higher-order functions.
Mechatronic device structure can be considered at two
levels: abstract, consisting of the conjunction of partial
functions of the main function device and the specific
plane, consisting of the combined structural parts and
assemblies, which are natural carriers of various
functions involved. The integration of mechatronic
device structure is a result of links among 'smart'
teams which communicate and cooperate. The linking
mechanical structure, sensors, actuators and
information processing occur as a result of mass flow of
streams, of energy and information.

1. Isermann R.: Integrierte mechanisch-elektronische
Systeme. VDI-Z, nr 10, 1993.
2. Isermann R.: Mechatronische Systeme. Springer
Verlag, Berlin, 1999.







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