Editing Mechatronics

{{short description|Combination of electronics and mechanics}}
{{Infobox occupation
|employment_field=Science, technology, engineering, industry, computer, exploration
|type=[[Engineering]]
|official_names=Mechatronics Engineer
|competencies=Multidisciplinary technical knowledge, electro-mechanical system design, system integration and maintenance
|specialty=Mechanical engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, computer engineering, software programming, system engineering, control system, smart and intelligent system, automation and robotics
|activity_sector=Electrical and mechanical industry, engineering industry
|image=}}

'''Mechatronics engineering''', also called '''mechatronics''', is the synergistic integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer systems employing [[mechanical engineering]], [[electrical engineering]], [[electronic engineering]] and [[computer engineering]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Escudier |first=Marcel |last2=Atkins |first2=Tony |date=2019 |journal=Oxford Reference|title=A Dictionary of Mechanical Engineering |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780198832102.001.0001 |doi=10.1093/acref/9780198832102.001.0001|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and also includes a combination of [[robotics]], [[computer science]], [[telecommunications]], [[systems engineering|systems]], [[control engineering|control]], [[automation]] and [[product engineering]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uwaterloo.ca/mechanical-mechatronics-engineering/future-undergraduate-students/mechatronics-engineering|title=Mechatronics Engineering|author=Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering|work=Future undergraduate students|date=9 August 2012|publisher=University of Waterloo|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="CZU">{{cite web|url=http://mechatronics.tul.cz|title=Mechatronics (Bc., Ing., PhD.)|author=Faculty of Mechatronics, Informatics and Interdisciplinary Studies TUL|access-date=15 April 2011}}</ref>

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, electrical and electronics, hence the name being a [[portmanteau]] of the words "'''mecha'''nics" and "elec'''tronics'''"; however, as the complexity of technical systems continued to evolve, the definition had been broadened to include more technical areas.

No later than in 1951, the word ''mechatronics'' was used in an advertisement of the company Servomechanisms, Inc., as can be seen in the journal ''Nucleonics'', vol. 9, issue 3 on page 99.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/sim_nucleonics_1951-09_9_3/page/98/mode/2up |magazine=Nucleonics |title=Mechatronics advertisement |volume=9 |issue=3 |date=September 1951 |page=99 |publisher=The McGraw-Hill Companies |via=Internet Archive |language=en}}</ref>

The word ''mechatronics'' originated in [[Wasei-eigo|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. The company later released the right to use the word to the public, and the word began being used globally. Currently the word is translated into many languages and is considered an essential term for advanced automated industry.<ref>Msc. Mechatronics and Automation Engineering, University of Strathclyde Glasgow, Institution of Engineering and Technology, United Kingdom. Retrieved 29 November 2020.</ref>

Many people treat ''mechatronics'' as a modern buzzword synonymous with [[automation]], [[robotics]] and [[electromechanical engineering]].<ref>Lawrence J. Kamm (1996). Understanding Electro-Mechanical Engineering: An Introduction to Mechatronics. John Wiley & Sons. {{ISBN|978-0-7803-1031-5}}</ref>

French standard NF E 01-010 gives the following definition: "approach aiming at the synergistic integration of mechanics, electronics, control theory, and computer science within product design and manufacturing, in order to improve and/or optimize its functionality".<ref>Bolton, W. Mechatronics. Pearson, 6th edition, 2015. {{ISBN|978-1-292-07668-3}}</ref>

== History ==
The word ''mechatronics'' was registered as [[trademark]] by the company in Japan with the registration number of "46-32714" in 1971. The company later released the right to use the word to the public, and the word began being used globally.

With the advent of [[information technology]] in the 1980s, [[microprocessors]] were introduced into mechanical systems, improving performance significantly. By the 1990s, advances in computational intelligence were applied to mechatronics in ways that revolutionized the field.

==Description==
[[File:mecha workaround.svg|thumb|Aerial [[Euler diagram]] from [[Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute|RPI]]'s website describes the fields that make up mechatronics.]]
A mechatronics engineer unites the principles of mechanics, electrical, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/795209909 |title=The mechatronics handbook |date=2008 |publisher=CRC Press |others=Robert H. Bishop |isbn=978-1-4398-3320-9 |edition=2nd |location=Boca Raton, FL |pages=Chapter 1, Page 2 |chapter= |oclc=795209909}}</ref>

[[Engineering cybernetics]] deals with the question of control engineering of mechatronic systems. It is used to control or regulate such a system (see [[control theory]]). Through collaboration, the mechatronic modules perform the production goals and inherit flexible and [[agile manufacturing]] properties in the production scheme. Modern production equipment consists of mechatronic modules that are integrated according to a control architecture. The most known architectures involve [[hierarchy]], [[polyarchy]], [[heterarchy]], and hybrid. The methods for achieving a technical effect are described by control [[algorithm]]s, which might or might not utilize [[formal method]]s in their design. Hybrid systems important to mechatronics include [[Operations management#Production systems|production systems]], synergy drives,
[[Mars Exploration Rover|exploration rovers]], automotive subsystems such as [[anti-lock braking system]]s and spin-assist, and everyday equipment such as autofocus cameras, video, [[hard disk]]s, CD players and phones.

== Subdisciplines ==

=== Mechanical ===
{{Main|Mechanical engineering}}

[[File:VW DSG transmission DTMB.jpg|left|thumb|View of the [[Volkswagen Group|Volkswagen]] [[Dual clutch transmission|dual clutch]] [[Direct-Shift Gearbox|direct shift gearbox]] transmission ]]
Mechanical engineering is an important part of mechatronics engineering. It includes the study of mechanical nature of how an object works. Mechanical elements refer to mechanical structure, mechanism, thermo-fluid, and hydraulic aspects of a mechatronics system. The study of [[thermodynamics]], [[Dynamics (mechanics)|dynamics]], [[fluid mechanics]], [[pneumatics]] and [[hydraulics]]. Mechatronics engineer who works a mechanical engineer can specialize in [[Hydraulic system|hydraulics]] and [[Pneumatic System|pneumatics systems]], where they can be found working in automobile industries. A mechatronics engineer can also design a vehicle since they have strong mechanical and electronical background. Knowledge of software applications such as [[computer-aided design]] and [[computer aided manufacturing]] is essential for designing products. Mechatronics covers a part of mechanical syllabus which is widely applied in automobile industry.

Mechatronic systems represent a large part of the functions of an automobile. The control loop formed by sensor—information processing—actuator—mechanical (physical) change is found in many systems. The system size can be very different. The [[anti-lock braking system]] (ABS) is a mechatronic system. The brake itself is also one. And the control loop formed by driving control (for example cruise control), engine, vehicle driving speed in the real world and speed measurement is a mechatronic system, too.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hilgers |first=Michael |title=Commercial Vehicle Technology. Electrical Systems and Mechatronics. |publisher=Springer |year=2020 |isbn=978-3-662-60837-1 |location=Berlin/Heidelberg/New York |doi=10.1007/978-3-662-60838-8}}</ref> The great importance of mechatronics for automotive engineering is also evident from the fact that vehicle manufacturers often have development departments with "Mechatronics" in their names.

=== Electronics and electricals ===
{{Main|Electronics and electrical engineering}}
Electronics and telecommunication engineering specializes in electronics devices and telecom devices of a mechatronics system. A mechatronics engineer specialized in electronics and telecommunications have knowledge of computer hardware devices. The transmission of signal is the main application of this subfield of mechatronics. Where digital and analog systems also forms an important part of mechatronics systems. Telecommunications engineering deals with the [[Transmission (telecommunications)|transmission]] of [[information]] across a medium.

Electronics engineering is related to [[computer engineering]] and [[electrical engineering]]. Control engineering has a wide range of electronic applications from the flight and propulsion systems of [[Airliner|commercial airplanes]] to the [[cruise control]] present in many modern [[Automobile|cars]]. [[VLSI]] designing is important for creating integrated circuits. Mechatronics engineers have deep knowledge of microprocessors, microcontrollers, microchips and semiconductors. The application of mechatronics in electronics manufacturing industry can conduct research and development on consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers, cameras etc. For mechatronics engineers it is necessary to learn operating computer applications such as [[MATLAB]] and [[Simulink]] for designing and developing electronic products.

Mechatronics engineering is a interdisciplinary course, it includes concepts of both electrical and mechanical systems. A mechatronics engineer engages in designing [[Transformer|high power transformers]] or [[Rf transmitter module|radio-frequency module transmitters]].

=== Avionics ===
{{Main|Avionics}}
[[File:US Navy 060504-N-7981E-012 Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Gary Kopf uses an oscilloscope to verify signals on aircraft avionics equipment aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.jpg|thumb|An avionics technician uses an [[oscilloscope]] to verify signals on aircraft avionics equipment.]]
[[Avionics]] is also considered a variant of mechatronics as it combines several fields such as [[Electronic engineering|electronics]] and telecom with [[aerospace engineering]]. It is the subdiscipline of mechatronics engineering and aerospace engineering which is engineering branch focusing on electronics systems of aircraft. The word avionics is a blend of aviation and electronics. The electronics system of aircraft includes [[Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System|aircraft communication addressing and reporting system]], [[air navigation]], [[aircraft flight control system]], [[aircraft collision avoidance systems]], [[flight recorder]], [[weather radar]] and [[lightning detector]]. These can be as simple as a [[searchlight]] for a [[police helicopter]] or as complicated as the tactical system for an [[airborne early warning]] platform.

=== Advanced mechatronics ===
Another variant is motion control for advanced mechatronics, presently recognized as a key technology in mechatronics. The robustness of motion control will be represented as a function of stiffness and a basis for practical realization. Target of motion is parameterized by control stiffness which could be variable according to the task reference. The system robustness of motion always requires very high stiffness in the controller.<ref>[https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=491410 "Motion Control and Advanced Mechatronics"].</ref>

=== Industrial ===
{{Main|Industrial engineering}}

[[File:Industrial Engineer Working.jpg|thumb|Industrial engineers on duty]]
The branch of industrial engineer includes the design of machinery, assembly and process lines of various manufacturing industries. This branch can be said somewhat similar to automation and robotics. Mechatronics engineers who works as industrial engineers design and develop infrastructure of a manufacturing plant. Also it can be said that they are architect of machines. One can work as an industrial designer to design the industrial layout and plan for setting up of a manufacturing industry or as an industrial technician to lookover the technical requirements and repairing of the particular factory.

=== Robotics ===
{{Main|Robotics}}
[[File:Float Glass Unloading.jpg|thumb|An [[industrial robot]] manufactured by [[ABB]]|left]]
Robotics is one of the newest emerging subfield of mechatronics. It is the study of robots and how they are manufactured and operated. Since 2000, this branch of mechatronics is attracting a number of aspirants. Robotics is interrelated with automation because here also not much human intervention is required. In a large number of factories, especially in automobile factories, robots are found in assembly lines, where they perform the job of drilling, installation and fitting. Programming skills are necessary for specialization in robotics. Knowledge of programming language—[[C (programming language)|ROBOTC]]—is important for functioning robots. An [[industrial robot]] is a prime example of a mechatronics system; it includes aspects of electronics, mechanics and computing to do its day-to-day jobs.

=== Computer ===
{{Main|Computer engineering|Internet of things}}
[[File:ระบบควบคุมกล้องโทรทรรศน์ทางไกลอัตโนมัติ และระบบสังเกตการณ์วัตถุอวกาศ.jpg|thumb|Telescope automatic control system and a space object observation system]]
The [[Internet of things]] (IoT) is the [[Internetworking|inter-networking]] of physical devices, [[Embedded system|embedded]] with [[electronics]], [[software]], [[sensor]]s, [[actuator]]s, and [[Internet access|network connectivity]] which enable these objects to collect and exchange [[data]]. IoT and mechatronics are complementary. Many of the smart components associated with the Internet of Things will be essentially mechatronic. The development of the IoT is forcing mechatronics engineers, designers, practitioners and educators to research the ways in which mechatronic systems and components are perceived, designed and manufactured. This allows them to face up to new issues such as data security, [[machine ethics]] and the human-machine interface.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Bradley|first1=David|last2=Russell|first2=David|last3=Ferguson|first3=Ian|title=The Internet of Things-The future or the end of mechatronics|journal=Mechatronics|volume=27|pages=57–74|date=March 2015|doi=10.1016/j.mechatronics.2015.02.005|hdl=10059/1355|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

Knowledge of programming is very important. A mechatronics engineer has to do programming in different levels – for example, [[PLC programming]], [[Unmanned aerial vehicle#Software|drone programming]], [[Computer hardware|hardware programming]], [[Computer numerical control|CNC programming]], etc. Due to combination of electronics engineering, soft skills from computer side is important. Important programming languages for mechatronics engineer to learn are [[Java (programming language)|Java]], [[Python (programming language)|Python]], [[C++]] and [[C (programming language)|C programming language]].

==See also==
{{Portal|Electronics}} 
* {{annotated link|Automation engineering}}
* {{annotated link|Computer Science}}
* {{annotated link|Control theory}}
* {{annotated link|Cybernetics}}
* {{annotated link|Ecomechatronics}}
* {{annotated link|Electromechanics}}
* {{annotated link|Materials engineering}} 
* {{annotated link|Mechanical engineering technology}}
* {{annotated link|Robotics}} 
* {{annotated link|Systems engineering}}
*{{annotated link|Biomechatronics}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
* Bradley, Dawson et al., ''Mechatronics, Electronics in products and processes'', Chapman and Hall Verlag, [[London]], 1991.
* Karnopp, Dean C., Donald L. Margolis, Ronald C. Rosenberg, ''System Dynamics: Modeling and Simulation of Mechatronic Systems'', 4th Edition, Wiley, 2006. {{ISBN|0-471-70965-4}} Bestselling system dynamics book using bond graph approach.
* Cetinkunt, Sabri, ''Mechatronics'', John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2007 {{ISBN|978-0-471-47987-1}}
* {{cite book|title=Building software for simulation: theory and algorithms, with applications in C++|author=James J. Nutaro|publisher=Wiley|year=2010}}
*Zhang, Jianhua . ''Mechatronics and Automation Engineering. Proceedings of the International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation Engineering (ICMAE2016). Xiamen, China, 2016.''

==Further reading==
* Bishop, Robert H., [https://books.google.com/books?id=CTfQPQRooMgC Mechatronics: an introduction]. [[CRC Press]], 2006.
* De Silva, Clarence W., [https://books.google.com/books?id=CjB2ygeR95cC Mechatronics: an integrated approach]. CRC Press, 2005
*  Onwubolu, Godfrey C., [https://books.google.com/books?id=bgK8kCMpD_YC Mechatronics: principles and applications]. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2005.
*  Rankers, Adrian M., [http://www.mechatronics-academy.nl/Machine%20Dynamics%20in%20Mechatronic%20Systems%20-%20Adrian%20M.%20Rankers.pdf Machine Dynamics in Mechatronic Systems]. University Twente, 1997

==External links==
*[http://www.ieee-asme-mechatronics.org/ IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics.]
*[http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/933/description Mechatronics Journal] – Elsevier
*[http://www.cedrat.com/en/publications/categories/device-systems/systems/mechatronics.html mechatronic applications and realisation] List of publications concerning examples
*[http://www.imeche.org/get-involved/special-interest-groups/mechatronics-informatics-and-control-group Institution of Mechanical Engineers - Mechatronics, Informatics and Control Group (MICG)] 
* NF E 01-010 2008 – AFNOR ([http://www.thesame-innovation.com/Publi/Fichier/NF%20E%2001-010_draft_translation.pdf French standard NF E 01-010])
* XP E 01-013 2009 – AFNOR (French standard NF E 01-013)

{{Engineering fields}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Embedded systems]]
[[Category:Electromechanical engineering]]
[[Category:Wasei-eigo]]