AdvancedTopic 73 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
Mechatronics
Integration of mechanical, electronic and software engineering.
In depth
Mechatronics integrates mechanical design, electronics, control and software to create smart products: cameras, ABS brakes, printers, robots, drones. Design is concurrent across disciplines with models (Simulink, Modelica), HIL testing and trade-offs among domains.
Key points
- Sensors and actuators
- Embedded control
- Systems thinking
ExampleAn anti-lock braking system combines wheel sensors, hydraulics and control software.
What is Mechatronics?
Integration of mechanical, electronic and software engineering.
Why is it important to understand mechatronics?
Mechatronics combines mechanics, electronics and software, which is how most modern products are designed.
What is mechatronics?
An integrated approach that designs mechanical, electrical, electronic and software parts together, so the whole product works as one system.
Why is integration important?
Many failures happen between disciplines, so designing the interfaces and timing together avoids problems that separate teams would miss.
How is Mechatronics used in practice?
Typical applications include designing a washing machine with a motor drive, sensors and embedded control, building a camera gimbal with motors, a controller and sensors and developing a printer with mechanical, electrical and firmware parts.
What should I learn before Mechatronics?
Study "Autonomous vehicles" first (topic 72 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Mechatronics?
Sensors and actuators. Embedded control. Systems thinking.
Can you give an example of Mechatronics?
An anti-lock braking system combines wheel sensors, hydraulics and control software.
What comes after Mechatronics?
The next topic is "Systems engineering", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Mechatronics?
It is classed as Advanced in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 73 of 102). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems.