ABSTRACT
The subject of mechatronics concerns the synergistic application of mechanics, electronics, controls, and computer engineering in the development of electromechanical products and systems through an integrated design approach. A mechatronic system will require a multidisciplinary approach for its modeling, design, development, and implementation. In the traditional development of an electromechanical system, the mechanical components and electrical components are designed or selected separately and then integrated, possibly with other components and hardware and software. In contrast, in the mechatronic approach, the entire electromechanical system is treated concurrently in an integrated manner by a multidisciplinary team of engineers and other professionals. Naturally, a system formed by interconnecting a set of independently designed and manufactured components will have a lower level of performance than that of a mechatronic system, which employs an integrated approach for design, development, and implementation. The main reason is straightforward. The best match and compatibility between component functions can be achieved through an integrated and uni ed approach to design and development, and the best performance is possible through an integrated implementation. Generally, a mechatronic product will be more ef cient and cost effective, more precise and accurate, more reliable, more exible and functional, less mechanically complex, safer, and more environment friendly than a non-mechatronic product requiring a similar level of effort in its development. The performance of a non-mechatronic system can be improved through sophisticated control, but this is achieved at an additional cost of sensors, instrumentation, and control hardware and software, and with added complexity.
