Introduction
The word mechatronics was first introduced by
Yasakawa Electric company in 1969.
The word mechatronics is the combination for mecha +
tronics
mecha refers to mechanism
- tronics refers to electronics
Mechatronics is defined as the "synergetic integration
of mechanical engineering, electronics and intelligent
computer control in design and manufacture of
products and processes."
According to W. Bolton, A mechatronic system is not
just a marriage of electrical and mechanical systems but
it is more than a control system. It is the complete
integration of all of them (Electrical/Electronic
Engineering + Mechanical Engineering + Computer
Engineering + Control Engineering).
Introduction
Mechatronics is also defined as the methodology
used for the optimal design of electromechanical
products.
A Mechatronic engineer should be able to design
and select mechanical devices, sensors and
actuators, analog and digital circuits, micro
processor based components and control devices
(logic gates) to design modern systems.
Mechatronics finds application in Automotive
aerospace,
defense engineering, Bio-mechanics,
electronics, Banking (ATM) and so On.
Evolution
1969 The word was first coined by
Electric Corporation". Japanese industry *\'askawa
1971 The company was granted the trademark rights on the
word.
1970-80 Mechatronics became popular in Europe. This period, mostly
the servo technology is used in
Mechatronics.
1981-90 Information Technology was introduced. Microprocessors
were emnbedded in Mechanical system.
Communication technology was added. Remote operation and
1991-2000 Robotics were developed. Courses and conferences related to
Mechatronics were offered by various instituions and
industries.
1996 First journal (IEEE) on Mechatronics was released.
After 2000 Finds application in aerospace, defense engineering, Bio
Mechanics, Automotive Electronics, Banking (ATM) etc.,
Advantages of Mechatronic system
over conventional system
Conventional system Mechatronic system
Bulky Compact
Complex mechanism Simple mechanism
Wired communication wireless communication
Connected components Autonomous units
Analog control Digital control
Simple monitoring Supervision with fault
diagnosis
Fixed abilities Learning abilities
