Objectives, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Mechatronics

The objectives of mechatronics are the following.

1. To improve products and processes

2. To develop novel mechanisms

3. To design new products

4. To create new technology using novel concepts

Earlier the domestic washing machine used cam-operated switches in order to control the washing cycle. Such mechanical switches have now been replaced by microprocessors. A microprocessor is a collection of logic gates and memory elements whose logical functions are implemented by means of software. The application of mechatronics has helped to improve many mass-produced products such as the domestic washing machine, dishwasher, microwave oven, cameras, watches, and so on. Mechatronic systems are also used in cars for active suspension, antiskid brakes, engine control, speedometers, etc. Large-scale

improvements have been made using mechatronic systems in flexible manufacturing engineering systems (FMS) involving computer controlled machines, robots, automatic material conveying and, overall supervisory control. There are many advantages of mechatronic systems. Mechatronic systems have made it very easy to design processes and products. Application of mechatronics facilitates rapid setting up and cost effective operation of manufacturing facilities. Mechatronic systems help in optimizing performance and quality. These can be adopted to changing needs. Mechatronic systems are not without their disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the field of mechatronics requires a knowledge of different disciplines. Also, the design cannot be finalized and safety issues are complicated in mechatronic systems. Such systems also require more parts than others, and involve a greater risk of component failure.