Mechatronics

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 "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.

[4] Many people treat mechatronics as a modern buzzword synonymous with automation, robotics and electromechanical engineering.

[5] 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".

With the advent of information technology in the 1980s, microprocessors were introduced into mechanical systems, improving performance significantly.

A mechatronics engineer unites the principles of mechanics, electrical, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system.

Modern production equipment consists of mechatronic modules that are integrated according to a control architecture.

Mechatronics covers a part of mechanical syllabus which is widely applied in automobile industry.

A mechatronics engineer specialized in electronics and telecommunications have knowledge of computer hardware devices.

For mechatronics engineers it is necessary to learn operating computer applications such as MATLAB and Simulink for designing and developing electronic products.

A mechatronics engineer engages in designing high power transformers or radio-frequency module transmitters.

Avionics is also considered a variant of mechatronics as it combines several fields such as electronics and telecom with aerospace engineering.

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.

The robustness of motion control will be represented as a function of stiffness and a basis for practical realization.

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.

The Internet of things (IoT) is the inter-networking of physical devices, embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these objects to collect and exchange data.