ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the basic mechanical concepts, devices, structures and systems, and discusses the differences between the traditional and mechatronic approaches to engineering design. It describes the possibilities for modelling the system prior to manufacture, and examines the implications of the manufacturing process on the design of the elements, in terms of form and materials. The chapter considers the user interface and safety requirements of these automated products and processes. Redesign is however not the whole story; many recent products have only come into existence because of mechatronic integration from the outset of conceptual design. The functionality of tasks such as profiling and speed and position control can be provided by the microprocessor and actuators include typewriters, and large telescopes. Mechatronic devices need not be arranged as a serial mechanism like the industrial robot. Actuators and mechanisms can act in parallel, or be distributed over a wide area, synchronized electronically by the microprocessor.
