Outline

• Definition
• Technical Areas
• History
• Classifications of Systems
• Components of Systems
• Design Principles
• Advantages/Disadvantages
• Education
• Examples

Definition/Philosophy

Mechatronics = synergistic combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic control, and systems thinking in design
of products and manufacturing processes

-International Federation for the Theory of Machines and Mechanisms

History

• 1969 - term coined by Yaskawa Electric Co. engineer (brushless dc motor with electronics)
• 1972 - trademark
• 1982 - trademark rights released
• 1970 - mechanics + electronics
• 1980 - "intelligent control" - database-driven systems

- microprocessors (vehicle)
* automotive motor control systems
- NC machines and robots

 1990- decentralization of the computer network

- remote control
- PC and LAN operation

Microcontrollers Encountered by Average Person

1990 - 10
1985 - 3
1995 - 50

(Auslander, 1996)

System Advancements

steam engine
weaving loom
typewriter
mechanical adding machine
printing press
sewing machine
automobile
cow milking

Other Mechatronic Systems

CNC controller
ATM
medicine and surgery
CD players
???

Classifications

• mechanical products enhanced by electronic technology (NC machines)

• mechanical products retained external configuration and primary functions but changed internal configuration (sewing
machines)
• mechanical products retained primary functions only (digital watches)
• other products that incorporate mechanical and electronic technology (rice cookers, copiers)

(Japan Society for the Promotion of Machine Industry, late 1970s)

Components of Mechatronic System

computation
actuation
instrumentation
target system
operator interface

- computing: software, artificial neural nets, fuzzy logic

Solely Mechanical System Disadvantages

friction
lack of accuracy
backlash
wind-up errors
vibrations
dimensional errors

Design Principles of Mechatronic Systems

• software integration in beginning

• balance hardware and software cost effectiveness (added value)
• documentation
• simplify
• quality assurance and standards established
• testing and formal analysis
• imbedded sensors, actuators, and microcomputers
• cost per calculation
• automatic supervision with fault detection

Advantages of Mechatronic Systems

• simplified mechanical design

• rapid machine setup
• cost-effectiveness??
• rapid development trials
• possibilities for adaptation during commissioning
• optimized performance, productivity, reliability
Disadvantages of Mechatronic Systems

• different expertise required

• more complex safety issues
• increase in component failures
• increased power requirements
• lifetimes change/vary
• real-time calculations/mathematical models

Education Background

materials
production systems
statics
dynamics
manufacturing
electronics
digital systems
microcomputers
mechatronics

GT - Mechatronic Course

• microprocessor system design

(Motorola 68HC11 microcontrolled evaluation board)

 hardware and software simultaneously developed, low cost components, user-friendly interfaces

 research

 failures (due to computing speed and design needs)

- communication with robot on monitor

- 6 d.o.f. robot
- robot steered through maze

 successes

- car alarm through cell phone

- telephone-initiated home monitoring system
- electrocardiogram and treadmill project
- entertaining drink dispenser

Possible Projects,CNC milling machine

robotic arm.