ABSTRACT

Mechatronics is not a distinctly defined, and hence separate, engineering discipline but is an integrating theme within the design process. The foundations of a mechatronic approach to engineering design are considered to lie in information and control. Indeed, it may be objected in some quarters that mechatronics is 'only control engineering' in another guise. The examples of mechatronic systems, albeit in a somewhat cumbersome and less capable and adaptable form, were to be found in the early computer numerically controlled machine tools and in large scale automated processes such as chemical plant or rolling mills. The manufacturing and process industries the development of low cost microprocessor based programmable controllers has enabled their introduction as the basic control element for many plants. The skills and capabilities needed by an engineer to operate with confidence in a mechatronic environment can best be illustrated with reference to a specific system on a prototype product.