Mechatronics and Smart Structures Design Techniques for Intelligent Products, Processes, and Systems

Abstract

Mechatronics is an emerging engineering area that will likely alter the fundamental nature of engineering, particularly (and initially) in the disciplines of electrical and mechanical engineering. The mechatronics approach provides multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills necessary to apply mechatronics in product design, development and manufacturing; and serve as a model for multi-disciplinary programs cut across traditional engineering disciplines. Mechatronics integrates the classical fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and information technology to establish basic principles for a contemporary engineering design methodology. In this methodology, engineering products and processes have moving parts that require manipulation and control of dynamic constructions to a required high degree of accuracy. Also, the design process requires enabling technologies such as sensors, actuators, software, optics, communications, electronics, structural mechanics and dynamics, and control engineering. A key factor for the design process involves integrating modern microelectronics and information technology into mechanical and electromechanical systems. Therefore, the mechatronics concentration area supports the synergistic integration of precision mechanical engineering, electronics control and systems thinking into the design of intelligent products and processes.