What is Mechatronics ?

The name Mechatronics stems from mechanical and electronics and is a relatively new approach to product design and development, merging the principles of electrical, mechanical, computer and industrial engineering. It addresses the four interconnected disciplines used for all complex modern devices. Mechatronic systems are typically composed of traditional mechanical and electrical components but are referred to as "smart" devices or systems because of the incorporation of sensors, actuators and computer control systems. Over the years, the term "mechatronics" has come to mean the integrated methodology for designing products that exhibit fast, precise performance.

Mechatronics is an emerging field of engineering that integrates electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, control engineering and information technology. In layman's terms, mechatronics combines these areas of engineering to allow the design, development and application of "smart devices" in an integrated, cross-disciplinary manner. The mechatronics concept establishes basic principles for a contemporary engineering design methodology. In this methodology, engineering products and processes have components that require manipulation and control of dynamic (moving) constructions to the required high degree of accuracy. Also, the design process requires integrating enabling technologies such as information technology and control engineering. A key factor for the design process involves integrating modern microelectronics and the engineering of software into mechanical and electromechanical systems.