Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of mechanical engineering ("mecha" for mechanisms), electronic engineering ("tronics" for electronics), and software engineering. The purpose of this interdisciplinary engineering field is the study of automata from an engineering perspective and serves the purposes of controlling advanced hybrid-systems such as production systems , synergy-drives , planetary-rovers , automotive subsystems such as anti-lock braking systems, spin-assist and every day equipment such as autofocus cameras, video, hard disks, cd-players, washing machines, lego-matics etc.

Mechatronics is centred on mechanics, electronics and computing which, combined, make possible the generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile systems.

The word "mechatronics" was first coined by Mr. Tetsuro Moria, a senior engineer of a Japanese company, Yaskawa, in 1969. Mechatronics may alternatively be referred to as "electromechanical-systems".

See also

• list of engineering topics

Reference

• Bradley, Dawson et al, Mechatronics, Electronics in products and processes, Chapman and Hall Verlag, London, 1991.

External links

• DLR Insitute of Robotics and Mechatronics
• University of Linz - Mechatronics
• Center for Automation and Intelligent Systems Research (CAISR) at Case Western Reserve University
• Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo
• 6th International Conference on Mechatronics Technology
• Australian Centre for Field Robotics at the University of Sydney