Mechatronics in action: Case studies in mechatronics - Applications and education

Abstract

Mechatronics is a broad-based engineering discipline that is concerned with the integration of engineering concepts at the system level. As such, its impact is seen not in specific sections of technology, but in the way in which the technologies are integrated and merged at the system level from design to implementation. Mechatronics in Action's case-study approach therefore provides the most effective means of illustrating how mechatronics can make products and systems more flexible, more responsive and possess higher levels of functionality than would otherwise be possible. The series of case studies serves to illustrate how a mechatronic approach has been used to achieve enhanced performance through the transfer of functionality from the mechanical domain to electronics and software. Educationally, case-based learning forms an important part of mechatronics course design and Mechatronics in Action not only provides readers with access to a range of case studies, and the experts' view of these, but also offers case studies in course design and development to support tutors in making the best and most effective use of the technical coverage provided. Mechatronics in Action provides, in an easily accessible form, a means of increasing the understanding of the mechatronic concept, while giving both students and tutors substantial technical insight into how this concept has been developed and used. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2010.