Definition of Mechatronics

The integration of mechanical engineering, electronics engineering and computer technology is increasingly forming a crucial part in the design, manufacture and maintenance of a wide range of engineering products and processes. As a consequence of the synergy of systems in industry, it is becoming increasingly important for engineers and technicians to adopt an interdisciplinary and integrated approach towards engineering problems. The term ‘mechatronics’ is used to describe this integrated approach. In the design of cars, robots, machine tools, washing machines, cameras, microwave ovens, and many other machines, an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to engineering design is increasingly being adopted. The term ‘mechatronics’ was first coined by the Japanese scientist Yoshikaza in 1969. The trademark was accepted in 1972. Mechatronics is a subject which includes mechanics, electronics, and informatics (Fig. 1.1). Mechanics involves knowledge of mechanical engineering subjects, mechanical devices, and engineering mechanics. Basic subjects such as lubricants, heat transfer, vibration, fluid mechanics, and all other subjects studied under mechanical engineering directly or indirectly find application in mechatronic systems. Mechanical devices include simple latches, locks, ratchets, gear drives, and wedge devices to complicated devices such as harmonic and Norton drives, crank mechanisms, and six bar mechanisms used for car bonnets. Engineering mechanics discusses the kinematics and dynamics of machine elements. Kinematics determines the position, velocity, and acceleration of machine links. Kinematic analysis helps to find the impact and jerk on a machine element. Change in momentum, causes an impact, whereas change in acceleration causes a jerk. Dynamic analysis gives the torque and force required for the motion of link in a mechanism. In dynamic analysis, friction and inertia play an important role

Electronics involves measurement systems, actuators, power electronics, and microelectronics. Measurement systems, in general, are made of three elements, namely, the sensor, signal conditioner, and display unit. A sensor responds to the quantity being measured, giving an electrical output signal that is related to the input quantity. The signal conditioner takes the signal from the sensor and manipulates it into conditions which is suitable for either display or control any other systems. In a display system, the output from the signal conditioner is displayed. Actuation systems comprise the elements which are responsible for transforming the output from the control system into the controlling action of a machine or device. Power electronic devices are important in the control of power-operated devices to actuate through a small gate power of the order milliwatts. The silicon controlled rectifier (thyristor) is an example of a power electronic device which is used to control dc motor drives. The technology of manufacturing microelectronic devices through very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit designs is also gathering momentum. Microsensors and microactuators are subdomains of the mechatronic system, which are used in many applications. Informatics includes automation, software design, and artificial intelligence. The programmable logic controller (PLC) or microcontroller, or even personal computers, are widely used as informatic devices. A completely automated plant reduces the burden on human beings in respect of decision-making and plant maintenance, among other things. Software is used not only for solving complex engineering problems but also in finance systems, communication systems, or virtual modelling. Wide area networks, such as internet facilities, have large data storage facilities and the data can be retrieved from anywhere in the world. Informatics systems can make decisions using artificial intelligence. Artificial neural networks, genetic systems, fuzzy logic, hierarchical control systems, and knowledge-base systems are effective tools used in artificial intelligence.