Mechatronics, also called mechatronics engineering, is an interdisciplinary branch of mechanical engineering that focuses on the integration of mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering systems, and also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering. As technology advances over time, various subfields of engineering have succeeded in both adapting and multiplying. The intention of mechatronics is to produce a design solution that unifies each of these various subfields. Originally, the field of mechatronics was intended to be nothing more than a combination of mechanics and electronics, hence the name being a portmanteau of mechanics and electronics; however, as the complexity of technical systems continued to evolve, the definition had been broadened to include more technical areas. The word mechatronics originated in Japanese-English and was created by Tetsuro Mori, an engineer of Yaskawa Electric Corporation. The word mechatronics was registered as trademark by the company in Japan with the registration number of "46-32714" in 1971. However, the company later released the right to use the word to the public, whereupon the word began being used across the world. Nowadays, the word is translated into many languages and is considered an essential term for advanced automated industry. people treat mechatronics as a modern buzzword synonymous with automation, robotics and electromechanical engineering.
Electronics in Products and Processes identifies the concepts which underpin the mechatronic approach to engineering design and brings together its principle components - sensors and transducers, embedded microprocessors, actuators and drives - to explore their interrelationships. The text focuses primarily on hardware elements and the impact of system architecture. Modern technology is set in an historical background and each chapter comes with learning objectives and chapter outlines. The book includes numerous case studies illustrating the concepts applied in such areas as automatic cameras, aerospace parts manufacturing, fly-by-wire systems, and boat autopilot.
- sensors and transducers
- embedded microprocessors
- actuators and drives