No Limits to Mechatronics

Some observers claim there's "nothing new" about mechatronics. "It's just another name for electromechanical technology," they say.

Those who really know design, however, realize mechatronics is much more than simply adding a microcontroller to a mechanical actuator. It's a whole new way of approaching design that goes well beyond using trial and error iterations.

Not only does mechatronics harness the latest mechanical, electronicand control components in a design, it also relies on the latestsoftware tools to model and simulate the system from the earlieststages. The result? Superior engineering solutions that not only testthe extreme limits of performance, but also save money and trim cycletimes in the process.

Yet, many engineers still balk at embracing this multidisciplinaryapproach, especially the basic mathematical and physical modeling thatneeds to occur at the outset. "Many engineers still use aseat-of-the-pants approach to design or rely on their vendor companiesfor solutions," says Kevin Craig, professor of mechanical engineering at Marquette University and a Design News'columnist. Embracing mechatronics becomes essential when engineers musttackle projects that demand revolutionary thinking, adds Craig.

In other words, mechatronics can help engineers escape theboundaries that have limited their designs in the past and help themachieve new heights in product performance. Moreover, the areas ofapplication for mechatronics span virtually every industry. Amongexamples described by Design News in recent months:

Such examples of mechatronics victories are limitless. As thestories in this special supplement show, mechatronics can deliverdesign excellence in applications ranging from high-performance submarines to automation systems.

Is it time to harness this design approach on your own projects?