1. Mechatronics Instructor: Shuvra Das Mechanical Engineering Dept.
University of Detroit Mercy

2. Mecha____what?
Synergistic Combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic control, and intelligent software in a systems framework, used in the design of products and manufacturing processes.
the design and manufacture of products and systems possessing both a mechanical functionality and an integrated algorithmic control.
designing intelligent machines.

3. Mechatronics

4. Machines and Information
Information technology Software
Mechanical Technology Electro-mechanics Mechatronics
Electrical Technology Electronics

6. Mechatronics Knowledge Area
Electromechanics
Electronics
Mechanics
System
Model
Trans-
ducers
Mechatronics
Computer-
Aided Design
Control
Circuitry
Micro-
control
Simulation
Digital
Control
Systems
Controls
Computers 4

7. Engineering Contents Mechanical Engineering Control Electronics
Design, Manufacturing and System Dynamics
Control
Control System Design, Real-time system
Electronics
Actuators and Sensors
Computer Science
Algorithm implementation, AI and Communications

8. Think System!! Mechanical System at the core
Electronics brings efficiency and reliability
Control systems bring accuracy and speed
Computer hardware and software brings functionality and versatility

9. Flowchart of Mechatronic Systems3

10. Mechatronics is Everywhere!
Sensors,embedded systems, actuators, smart controls are everywhere, consider the following terms in the context of auto industry:
Active suspension control
Drive by wire (brake by wire, steer by wire)
Smart sensors
Embedded technology

11. More Examples of Mechatronics?
Robots
Photocopiers
Anti-lock brakes
washers/dryers
autofocus cameras
Fuzzy logic based dishwashing machines
Automated storage and retrival
AGV in material handling
Mine detection robots
ATMs, cash deposit machines
Airplanes (auto-pilot)
Medical devices
Weapons
……..

12. Characteristics of Mechatronics
High speed
High accuracy
Robustness
Reliability
Miniaturization

13. Mechatronics product Adaptive/smart suspension for medium weight truck
based on air springs one on each of the six wheels carried on three axels, with sensors to measure the current vertical position, velocity and acceleration. Data from sensors transmitted to on-board microprocessor controller at 20 ms intervals, where it is used as the input to control algorithms based on mathematical model of the suspension system. Fast acting cross-flow valves, operated by the microcontroller, and then used to moderate pressures of air springs.

15. Mechatronics is a Design Process
Mechatronic design optimizes available mix of technologies to produce products that are of high quality and reliability and satisfy customer needs
"We are driving to have compelling and affordable fuel cell vehicles on the road by the end of the decade. With Hy-wire, we have taken the technology as it exists today and packaged it into an innovative drivable vehicle comparable in size and weight to today's luxury automobiles”. Larry Burns, V.P. GM research.

18. Is Mechatronics new?
Mechatronics is the application of the latest, cost-effective, technology in the areas of computers, electronics, controls, and mechanical systems to the design process to create more functional and adaptable products.
A GOOD DESIGN PRACTICE

19. There is something new here!
Mechatronics encompasses the knowledge base and the technologies required for the flexible generation of controlled motion.
Mechatronics demands horizontal integration between various disciplines as well as vertical integration between design and manufacturing.
Mechatronics is a significant design trend-an evolutionary development-a mixture of technologies and techniques that together helps in designing a better product.

20. Relevant Question
What are some of the challenges presented by the field of Mechatronics?
The cost effective incorporation of electronics, computers and control systems in mechanical systems requires a new approach to design: The synergy of Mechatronics needs to be harnessed by the design engineer.

21. Competence needed in: Use of microprocesors
Mathematical systems modeling
selection & application of sensors
instrumentaion, data collection and testing
design and application of electro-hydraulic and electro-pneumatic systems
Use of microprocesors
establishment of control algorithms
mechanical design
analog circuit designs and electrical installation
A FORMIDABLE TASK FOR A SINGLE PERSON!!!

22. Difficulties Requires a Systems Perspective
System Interactions are important
Requires System modeling
Control Systems can go unstable
Our training is usually domain specific and not system-wide: mechanical component, electrical component, software component, etc...

23. Mechatronics Engineer
Leader in the initiation and integration of design
Ability to master the entire design process from concept to manufacture
Interdisciplinary awareness
Ability to use the knowledge resources of others and the particular blend of technologies that will provide optimal solution
Industry needs Mechatronics Engineers to continue to rapidly develop innovative products with performance, quality and low cost.

24. Role of a Mechatronics Engineer
Accept responsibility for the entire project: establishing need through design, manufacturing and integrating with customer
Integrate not only design and manufacturing but mechanical, electrical, control, and computer engineering
be enthusiastic, communicate with customers, be responsible, learn to plan, etc….

25. What is currently lacking?
Control Design still domain of specialists
Very few engineers have good understanding of both analysis and hardware essential for Mechatronics
Lack of multidisciplinary awareness

26. Benefits to Industry Shorter Development Cycles Lower Costs
Increased Quality
Increased Reliability
Increased Performance
Increased Benefits to customers

27. Industry’s Challenge
Train the engineers you have in the mechatronics approach to design
Give them the tools to be successful:
knowledge: modeling, analysis, control
software tools for simulation
hardware: sensors, actuators, instrumentation, real-time controls, microcontrollers
system integration!
Give them the time to use all of these!!!

31. Future of Mechatronics
It will survive as the most important product oriented engineering
More departments will be opened
Research in product oriented industry will shift to mechatronics
Experience gained in mechatronics will be extended to other multi-disciplinary approaches
Mini-, micro-machines and intelligent machines will be a major concern of technology development

32. Future...
Mechatronics engineering does not require expensive investment
Hardware development requires very narrow expertise, and could be expensive
Software development will be more important and profitable
repair and maintenance will be obsolete, use and discard will be more common
Machines will have personal features

33. Future…. Micro-mechatronics Nano-mechatronics Opto-mechatronics
Internet-based mechatronics
Intelligent/dumb mechatronics
Entertainment mechatronics
Educational mechatronics
Medical mechatronics
Military mechatronics
…..

35. Flowchart of Mechatronic Systems3