Mechatronics - A new Tech

Mechatronic systems are systems in which mechanics and electronics work together as one mind; that's where the mecha and tronics come from to form mechatronics.

Mechatronic Classification (JSPMI)

The Japanese Society for the Promotion of the Machine Industry (JSPMI) has made a 4 Class classification system.

Class I - Primary Mechanical Systems

This class shows basic circuits embedded in existing tools that add integrated features, making the machine more capable of performing tasks with precision and using user input. For example, a drill that used to have only on and off functions now has a speed potentiometer.

Class II - Secondary Mechanical Systems

This class features the same concept of a device, but the feedback and user interaction are digitalized, making it more modernized and user-friendly to read values with precision. For example, a Class II weighing scale with a digital screen, but the concept remains the same.

Class III - Tertiary Mechanical Systems

This class totally replaces mechanical functions with electrical components. Like a Watch that had springs, mechanisms, and dials, now it is a smart watch with a controller, screen, and touch for time settings. But the mechanics remain in the buttons, chassis, and sometimes dials.

Class IV - Quaternary Mechanical systems

This is the true definition of mechatronics. This class represents electronics and mechanics working together, for example, a ton of robotic arms working together simultaneously to do a specific operation.

The Yaskawa Electric Corporation defines the word mechatronics as 2 words broken:

Mechanics

Electronics

The combination of Mechanics and Electronics is known as Mechatronics.

Wikipedia defines mechatronics as "Mechatronics engineering, also called mechatronics, is the synergistic integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer systems employing mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, and computer science and engineering, and includes a combination of robotics, computer science, telecommunications, systems, control, automation, and product engineering."

Mechatronics can easily be defined as "The synergetic operation of mechanics and electronics." Mechatronics allows a device to control the environment and process it.

Mechatronic System Components

A mechatronic system has 6 parts basically. The actuators do the physical movement, Sensors sense the environment, the input signal conditioning converts analog signals into digital and sends it to the processing, Output signal conditioning makes the digital signals from processing stronger and either sends it to the actuator or provides feedback, such as a screen.

Mechatronics is a technology that's developing fast; there may be more awesome and brilliant technology in the future.

Regards,

Aayush.N