Mechatronics

[|mechatronic system] - includes both a  mechanical system design and an  electronic system design involving both hardware and software components.

[|Mechatronics] is where electronics meets mechanical engineering, computing, optics, actuators, sensors, digital controls, and robotics. From its inception in computer-controlled machining and factory automation, mechatronics has incorporated these engineering disciplines and more, plus bioengineering and nanotechnology. Mechatronic devices include disk drives, cameras, imaging systems, and antilock brakes. Their complexity spurs the development of multiphysics in simulation and engineering analysis.

[|Mechatronics Engineering] is relatively a new field and was originally a mixture of mechanical and electrical engineering but has now grown into a design process which covers mechanical, electrical, telecommunication, control and computer engineering.

[|Mechatronics] - the synergistic combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic control and systems thinking in the design of products and manufacturing processes. It relates to the design of systems, devices and products aimed at achieving an optimal balance between basic mechanical structure and its overall control. practical developments in mechatronics. wide range of application areas including consumer product design, instrumentation, manufacturing methods, computer integration and process and device control, with computer based intelligence.

Mechatronics engineering has been divided into a number of sub-disciplines which are as follows;
 * Automation
 * Control System
 * Data Logging
 * Electrical/Electronics
 * Instrumentation
 * Maintenance
 * Manufacturing
 * Mechanical

Pneumatics
 * [|Disney’s Interactive Haptic Technology] - low cost, highly scalable haptic technology that delivers expressive tactile sensations in mid air. AIREAL enables users to feel virtual objects, experience dynamically varying textures and receive feedback on full body gestures, all without requiring the user to wear a physical device. In addition nearly every piece of the AIREAL technology is 3D printed, that includes the machines enclosure, flexible nozzle, and it’s pan and tilt gimble.


 * What's the problem?**
 * **Ask** -
 * **Imagine** -
 * **Design, Build** -
 * **Improve** -


 * That's engineering**
 * [|haptics] - the science of applying tactile sensation to human interaction with computers.
 * [|haptic device] - involves physical contact between the computer and the user, usually through an input/output device, such as a joystick or data gloves, that senses the body's movements. By using haptic devices, the user can not only feed information to the computer but can receive information from the computer in the form of a felt sensation on some part of the body.
 * hydraulics: Involving or moved by fluid under pressure.
 * prototype: A working model of a new product or new version of a product.
 * pneumatics: Involving the mechanical properties of air and other gases.
 * Safety Factor(N) - A number used to describe how much more force your device should withstand past the max expected force based on a number of parameters such as material and dimensions (N=1 means only can withstand 100% of expected force, so it will fail at 101% of expected load).

> control systems, materials selection, pneumatics, mechatronics, haptic, interactive, computer integration
 * Engineering ideas**

Here are some challenges for you to work on...
 * Do it**
 * [|Engineer a Pneumatic Creature] - Create a creature that uses air to create motion.
 * Hydraulic arm - directions for a teacher. Can be an individual project.


 * News, updates**
 * [|Mechatronics Zone] - news and information, articles, interviews


 * Learn more...**
 * [|What is Mechatronics Engineering?]
 * [|Mechatronic resources] - links directory [|more...]
 * [|University-related Meachatronics] links
 * [|Mechatronics] - downloadable documents, course outlines, course notes

..1e 2a