Singular ➝ Mechatronic
Adjective
- The combination of mechanics, electronics and informatics, a branch of engineering to automate production systems
Synonyms
electromechanical systems
Etymology
Mecha (nics) + (Elec) tronics
It was coined by Tetsuro Mori in 1969, an engineer at the Yaskawa Electric Corporation
Related terms
Derivative Terms
- Mechatronic systems
- Mechatronic engineering
- Mechatronic design
Quotations
“Mechatronics is the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering with electronics and intelligent computer control in the design and manufacturing of products and processes.” – Robert H. Bishop
“The evolution of mechatronics has led to the development of sophisticated products and systems that are more reliable and capable than their purely mechanical or purely electronic counterparts.” – Bradley N. Miller
“In mechatronics, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This synergy is what allows for the innovation of advanced automated systems.” – David G. Alciatore
Historical References
- 1969: The term “mechatronics” was first coined by Tetsuro Mori, an engineer at Yaskawa Electric Corporation.
- 1980s: Mechatronics began to be widely adopted in industrial automation and robotics.
- 1990s: The field expanded to include advances in computer science and information technology, leading to smarter and more autonomous systems.
Fields of Application
- Automotive industry: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), automatic gearboxes.
- Manufacturing: Automated assembly lines, CNC machines.
- Consumer electronics: Robotics vacuums, smart appliances.
- Healthcare: Surgical robots, diagnostic devices.
- Aerospace: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), flight control systems.
Example Sentences
- The automotive industry has greatly benefited from advances in mechatronics, resulting in more efficient and safer vehicles.
- Students in the mechatronics program learn how to integrate mechanical systems with electronic controls to create innovative solutions.
- Modern manufacturing relies heavily on mechatronics to streamline production processes and improve precision.
Curiosities
- The field of mechatronics is continuously evolving, with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning further enhancing its capabilities.
- Mechatronic systems are at the heart of many smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Mechatronics is considered a key driver of Industry 4.0, the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies.
References
- Bishop, R. H. (2006). “Mechatronics: An Introduction.” CRC Press.
- Bolton, W. (2015). “Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.” Pearson.
- Alciatore, D. G., & Histand, M. B. (2011). “Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement Systems.” McGraw-Hill Education.
Analogies
- Mechatronics is to robotics as Swiss Army knife is to tools: Just as a Swiss Army knife combines multiple tools in one, mechatronics integrates various engineering disciplines to create multifunctional systems.
- Mechatronics is to engineering as a symphony is to music: Like a symphony harmoniously combines different instruments to produce beautiful music, mechatronics harmonizes mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering to create advanced systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mechatronics?
Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that merges mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control engineering to design and create intelligent systems and products.
Why is mechatronics important?
It enables the development of advanced, efficient, and reliable systems and products that are essential in various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace.
What are some examples of mechatronic systems?
Examples include automated manufacturing systems, advanced driver-assistance systems in vehicles, surgical robots, and smart home devices.
How does mechatronics relate to robotics?
Robotics is a subfield of mechatronics, focusing specifically on the design, construction, and operation of robots.
What skills are essential for a career in mechatronics?
Essential skills include knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, proficiency in computer programming, understanding of control systems, and the ability to integrate these areas to solve complex problems.
