When I search define:mechatronics in Google, two lonely results return (at the time of posting) and I don’t feel they give mechatronics a solid definition. Engineering is often defined as the “application of science and mathematics…” I feel mechatronics should simply be defined as the “application of all engineering disciplines.” However, the most common loose definition I find for mechatronics is the synergistic combination (or integration) of mechanics, electronics, software and computers. I realize that this would not be a dictionary definition, but unless you solve problems and realize the complexities interfacing all the systems of a device, I doubt ’synergy’ evokes the appropriate connotation or denotation of the word mechatronics.
The increasingly common-place Venn-diagram graphic depicts mechatronics at the center of engineering fields. Is mechatronics really part of every engineering field?
My opinion is that the creation of any new widget requires an expert from almost every field of engineering. Even if the product is simple, e.g. a D-FUZZ-IT comb, the manufacturing process required input from mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, .. in other words the product required a complex mechatronic system in order to bring the comb from concept to a final retail product. I believe that any modern product requires some mechatronic insight, whether from a mechanical, electrical, systems or a specifically mechatronic engineer. However, I do not feel that mechatronics is part of every engineering discipline in practice and in education — I think it should be, but is not.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
3 
