3.2 AUTOMATION WHAT IS MECHATRONICS? Definition and objectives , also known as mechatronics engineering, is a multi- disciplinary field that combines several types of engineering (mechanical, computer, and electrical) with machining, robotics, and information technology. The goal of mechatronics is to identify and manage new, efficient, and smart machines that can improve manufacturing operations. Mechatronics is a recently developed field, designed to meet the needs of our advancing manufacturing industry. It started as a way of integrating pieces of mechanical systems (such as hydraulics and pneumatics) with computerised control systems, but quickly became essential to modern manufacturing processes. Today, there is a great demand for high-quality goods made with precision and accuracy. At the same time, there is a need to improve production through automation and technology to help reduce emissions and costs. Mechatronics provides that very solution. It keeps production running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Mechatronics 1 MORE The word (mechanics + electronics) first appeared in Japan in 1969. The term was coined by Tetsuro Mori, the senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskawa Elektric Corporation and since 1971 it has been protected as a trade name. 1 mechatronics The role of mechatronics engineers 2 Mechatronics engineers build automated systems for industry: they normally act as the link between technicians and engineers, and work from the conception of a project to its completion. They design, build, maintain and repair automated equipment, and program equipment control systems. They are able to meet a variety of needs within industry, so they carry out mechanical maintenance and equipment building, and they also deal with equipment for information gathering, components, sensors and regulating units. Mechatronics technicians install, set-up, repair and adjust machine components and manage equipment control systems, including their programming. MORE Mechatronics engineers have been known with other names such as: Automation Engineer, Control System Engineer, Data Logging Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Project Engineer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, and Service Engineer. 2 A common example 1 To understand the concept of mechatronics, one can simply think about today's automobiles. The average car today has between 25 and 50 central processing units that control mechanical functions. A driver support system (DSS) such as the system is designed with mechatronics: the electronic control system takes over the braking function when sensors recognise that one or more wheels are anti-lock brakes locking up. A pneumatic tyre pressure monitoring system is also designed with mechatronics: each tyre has a sensor inside that sends data to an onboard electronic control system. If the pressure on one tyre is low, the software in the control system sends an alert to the vehicle's and a lights up. embedded dashboard tyre gauge icon Even an automobile's air bag is designed with mechatronics: a micro- electrical machine (MEM) in the front of the automobile will deploy an airbag when sensor data indicate rapid deceleration. DO Go online and find examples of different applications of mechatronics. 1