ISSN : 2454-4736 (Online) International Journal of Advanced Research in

ISSN : 2454-8723 (Print) Vol. 1, Issue 1 (Apr. - Jun. 2015) Mechanical Engineering & Technology (IJARMET)

Mechatronics : A Multidisciplinary Field of Engineering

Manzoor Elahi Soudagar
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Jain College of Engineering, Belgaum, Karnataka, India

Abstract
Mechatronics refers to mechanical electronic systems and can be described as a theological combination of electronics, electrical,
computer control and mechanics which when combined leads to generation of a simple, feasible and reliable systems. Mechatronics
integrates sensors, actuators, signal conditioners, power electronics, decision and control algorithms, computer hardware-software to
manage complexity in the design and communication in engineered systems. Systems engineering involves design, synthesis of products,
analysis and processes involving components from different disciplines. Mechatronics provides a platform for system engineering to
guide the product realization process from design, model, simulate, refine, analyze, prototype, validate and deploy the cycle.

Keywords
Mechatronics, Trans-Disciplinary, Information Systems, Control, Simulation.

I. Introduction other inputs. Digital to analog converter is used to convert the

The term “Mechatronics” was derived from the two words “mecha” digital value into an analog signal. The analog signal is used by
from mechanics and “tronics” from electronics. It was coined by the actuator to control physical device. The sensor then takes
Mr. Tetsuro Mori, a senior engineer of Japanese company Yaskawa new measurements and the process repeats, thus completing a
in 1969. feedback control loop.
A mechatronic system is composed of four basic components. They
are sensors, controllers, actuators and mechanical components.
Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a mechatronic system
integrated with the above components.

Fig. 2: Typical components of a mechatronics system

Figure 2 shows a typical block diagram of mechatronics system.

The system has at its core a mechanical system which needs to
Fig.1: Schematic diagram of Mechatronics system be controlled. The controller needs information about the state
of the system. This information is obtained from sensors. The
In the initial design phase, it has to be decided which problems signals produced by the sensors need some signal conditioning
should be solved mechanically and which problems electronically. operations to be performed. These signals are then converted to
When different partial designs are worked out, information about a digital form and presented to the controller.
these designs can be used for evaluation of the complete system The controller processes user commands and senses the signals
and be exchanged for detailed design of the parts. to generate command signals to be sent to the actuators in the
In mechatronics system, the mechanical parts have to perform system. The user commands are obtained from various devices
certain motions whereas electronic parts add intelligence to such as graphical user interfaces, touch screens or pads.
the systems. Power plays a major role in mechanical part and In some cases, the command signals to the actuators are first
information processing is the main criteria in electronic part. converted from digital to an analog form. The actuator converts
Sensors convert mechanical motions into electrical signals where electrical signals into mechanical motion or action.
information content is important. Sensor generates some form of
signal, usually an analog signal in the form of a voltage level or II. Disciplinary foundations of mechatronics
waveform. This signal is then sent to an analog to digital converter Mechatronics is a combination of electrical Engineering,
(ADC). ADC maps the analog input signal to a digital output. The mechanical Engineering, computer Engineering and information
digital value is composed of a set of binary values called as bits. systems as shown in Figure 3.
These bits represents a decimal or hexadecimal number that can
be used by the microcontroller.
Microcontroller consists of a microprocessor and memory. The
program in the microprocessor uses the digital value along with

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International Journal of Advanced Research in ISSN : 2454-4736 (Online)
Mechanical Engineering & Technology (IJARMET) Vol. 1, Issue 1 (Apr. - Jun. 2015) ISSN : 2454-8723 (Print)

that need to be performed.

Some of the advantages of the mechatronics design approach
are greater productivity, shorter development cycles, faster time
to market, higher quality and cheaper products. The results can
further be improved by effectively integrating with the concurrent
engineering strategies.
Nowadays, a mechanical engineer with training offers three
benefits. Firstly, a mechatronics engineer is familiar with the
advantages and limitations of trans-disciplinary technologies in
both software and electronic hardware. Secondly, a mechatronics
engineer has been trained on the application of this knowledge to
optimize a mechanical design. Lastly, a mechatronics engineer can
understand how to rapidly prototype and test various embedded
Fig. 3: Disciplinary foundation of Mechatronics solutions to implement a final solution.

Mechatronics and other trans-disciplinary were introduced IV. Examples on Mechatronics systems
in 1970 as multiple integrative possibilities to understand, Modern society depends on mechatronics-based systems for
achieve, transfer and incorporate knowledge in the context of convenience. Some of the examples of mechatronics systems
new informational society. There is significant design trend that are as discussed below;
has a marked influence on the product-development process. 1. Centre lathe : It is used to manufacture cylindrical shapes
While Mechatronics combines mechanics and electronics, it in various materials. It is mainly mechanical with an electric
also involves software and information technology, combining motor connected to turn the chuck and rotate the work piece.
new technologies to the existing and combining them to solve The cutting tools are moved by turning handles or using a drive
problems by integrating different technologies to solve the mechanism.
emerging problems efficiently.

III. Mechatronics Design Process

Figure 4 shows the design process involved in Mechatronics

Fig. 5: Parts of Sherlin Lathe showing vertical position of various

components.

2. Computer Numerical Control(CNC) and manufacturing cells

: CNC generally refers to cutting machines which are combinations
of lathes, millers and grinders. They design the machine parts to
the required shape and size according to a computer program
produced by Computer Aided software(CAD). The work piece
and cutting tools are moved by electric or pneumatic actuators
Fig. 4: The Mechatronics design process that can move them in 3 dimensions(x, y and z). The tools have
a microchip embedded in them that carries information about the
The entire design process is divided into hierarchal structured dimensions. Computer checks them for wear and compensates
process. It starts with the design of the kinematic, the dynamic and for it and replaces them with a new one when it is excessive. The
the mechatronic function. Mechatronics embeds in itself control programme works for the required x, y and z coordinates and
systems to provide a framework for component interactions and control the movement of the work piece accordingly. Figure 6(a)
the analysis associated with it. Integration within a mechatronic shows the Computer Numerical Control machine and figure 6(b)
system is performed by a combination of hardware components shows the software program written in CAD to design certain
and software along with information processing. This is known as part of the tool.
Hardware-In-The loop simulation process. Hardware integration
results from designing the mechatronic system as an overall system
which includes actuators, sensors and embedded computers as
well.
Software integration depends on control functions and algorithms

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ISSN : 2454-4736 (Online) International Journal of Advanced Research in
ISSN : 2454-8723 (Print) Vol. 1, Issue 1 (Apr. - Jun. 2015) Mechanical Engineering & Technology (IJARMET)

VI. Conclusion
Mechatronics represents a unique combination of interdisciplinary
and intelligent engineering science that features an interdisciplinary
knowledge. Mechatronics is a fusion of mechanics, electrical,
electronics, informatics and intelligent systems. Interdisciplinary
Mechatronics concerns mastering a multitude of disciplines and
technologies whereas the science of mechatronics concerns the
invention and development of new theories, concepts and tools
in response to new needs evolving from interacting scientific
disciplines. Mechatronics is a study which focuses on producing
(a) (b) engineers who can work inn high-technology environment and
Fig. 6 : (a) CNC machine (b)Computer Aided Program written emphasize on real-world hands-on experience and engage in
for the design certain part of a tool. challenging problems and complex tasks with innovation and
enthusiasm.
CNC machines have different forms and complexity according
to the need. Other forms might be machines for cutting shapes References
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water and adjust the temperature. Various programs are written Education Annual Conference & Exposition,2002
to execute the steps such as to agitate, wash, rinse and spin. The [3]. Dr. S. K. Saha, “Mechatronics-An experience at IIT
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Author’s Profile

Mr. Manzoor Elahi Soudagar is an

Assistant Professor at the Department
of Mechanical Engineering at Jain
College of Engineering, Belgaum. He
completed Bachelor of Engineering in
Mechanical Engineering at S. D. M
College of Engineering and Technology,
Dharwad. He pursued his Master’s
in Engineering Analysis and Design
at S. D. M College of Engineering
and Technology, Dharwad. His area
of interests include Manufacturing
technology, FEA, Computer Aided Drawing and applications. He
has an experience of 2+ years in teaching and training Mechanical
Engineering Stream.

Fig. 7: Inside view of an automated washing machine

V. Mechatronics vs. Multidisciplinary

The difference between a mechatronics system and a
multidisciplinary system is not the constituents, but the order in
which they are designed.
Multidisciplinary system design employs a sequential design-by-
discipline approach whereas mechatronics design methodology
is based on a concurrent approach to discipline design, resulting
in products with more synergy.

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