ABSTRACT
Mechatronics describes the integration of mechanical, electromagnetic, and computer elements to produce devices and systems that monitor and control machine and structural systems. Examples include familiar consumer machines such as VCRs, automatic cameras, automobile air bags, and cruise control devices. A distinguishing feature of modern mechatronic devices compared to earlier controlled machines is the miniaturization of electronic information processing equipment. Increasingly computer and electronic sensors and actuators can be embedded in the structures and machines. This has led to the need for integration of mechanical and electrical design. This is true not only for sensing and signal processing but also for actuator design. In human size devices, more powerful magnetic materials and superconductors have led to the replacement of hydraulic and pneumatic actuators with servo motors, linear motors, and other electromagnetic actuators. At the material scale and in microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs), electric charge force actuators, piezoelectric actuators, and ferroelectric actuators have made great strides.
