Mechatronics - what is it? Fundamentals of mechatronics. Mechatronics and robotics (specialty): whom to work with?

The twentieth century was very fruitful for the emergence of new sciences, one of which is mechatronics. Who will work after mastering this discipline? What is it and what does it do? How important is it in modern life? What prospects does it offer us? Who works for people who study this discipline in universities and independently? Here is an incomplete list of questions that will be answered in the article.

What is mechatronics?

This term was obtained by combining the words "mechanics" and "electronics". It was first used in 1969. At this time, mechatronics is a science that is devoted to the creation and purposeful operation of machines and systems, the movement of which is determined by electronic computing equipment. It is based on the knowledge of mechanics, microprocessor technology, computer science, electronics and computer control of the movement of aggregates and machines. It is possible to study the basics of mechatronics if you wish, since scientific and educational literature on this topic is sufficient. For more, you will have to make significant efforts to find the necessary material. Though it is possible, theoretically, and most to think out, that represents mechatronics. We have already found out what this is, let's move on to some aspects.

Communication with robotics

Very often they can be found together. Why is that? The fact is that robotics is the most promising direction of mechatronics, which can develop exclusively within its framework. Here it is necessary to make a small digression. The matter is that now mechatronics deals with automobile, aviation, space, household, medical and sports equipment. But to produce objects of this type there are separate specialties. And specifically, to focus on the fact that students will be engaged in the design of robots, numerical control machines and similar devices, as well as their creation, the direction of training is called "mechatronics and robotics".

General description of the practical component

What does mechatronics give us? What is this in terms of creation practice? Let's look at the general scheme of constructing machines that have computer control and are focused on automating production and household tasks. The external environment for them is the technological environment with which interaction will take place. When the mechatronic system performs its functions, it is due to the working bodies. It should be noted that this scientific direction is quite young, there are many inaccuracies and vague formulations, even in the scientific literature, so in time some theoretical principles may change. Mechatronic systems are formed from three parts, which are interconnected by information and energy flows:

1. Electromechanical. This includes mechanical links, transmissions, electric motors, sensors, operating element, additional electrical elements, sensors. All components are used to provide the necessary movements. Sensors are of particular importance for the correct performance of the tasks set. They collect data on the state of the work object and the external environment, directly the mechatronic device and its components.
2. Electronic. This includes microelectronic devices, power converters and measuring circuits.
3. Computer. This includes microcontrollers and high-end computers.

The main functions of mechatronic systems

At this point in time, they are allocated 4:

1. Managing the process of mechanical movement in real time with the simultaneous processing of information that comes from their sensors.
2. Co-organization of their actions with external sources of influence.
3. Interaction with a person through a special interface in stand-alone mode or in real time.
4. Organization of data exchange between sensors, peripherals and other components of the system.

The problem of mechatronics

They must solve the problem of transforming the input information that comes from the top level of control in the necessary mechanical movements. In this case, as a rule, the principle of feedback is used. In designing this problem is expressed in the fact that several elements are integrated into one functional module, which have different nature - this is the specificity that mechatronics has. The specialty of people who are engaged in the fulfillment of these goals can be very different. Ideally, the provision of the planned information will produce the desired result. The software should help in this hardware component.

Advantage of mechatronic approach in solving real problems

The comparison will be conducted with traditional automation tools:

1. Relatively low cost of systems, which is achieved due to significant integration, standardization and unification of all components of interfaces and elements.
2. The ability to implement accurate and complex movements thanks to the methods of intelligent control.
3. High level of reliability, durability and noise immunity.
4. The compactness of the modules used, which allows you to manage a smaller area. Also, they can be relatively easily combined to achieve the ability to perform specific tasks.
5. Due to the simplification of the kinematic chains, the machines have good dynamic and mass-size characteristics.

That's why mechatronics and robotics are developing. Specialty in this case allows you to get already selected and ready for study data, whereas in self-education you will have to search everything yourself.

Examples of mechatronics in real life

Where can you find similar systems near us? For this I propose to look at such areas of human activity:

1. Machine-tool construction and manufacturing of equipment for automation of technological processes.
2. Robotics.
3. Military, space and aviation equipment.
4. Automotive (for example, mechatronic systems is traffic stabilization, automatic parking and similar developments).
5. Various non-standard means of transportation and transportation (scooters, freight carts, wheelchairs, electric bicycles).
6. Control and measuring machines and devices.
7. Office equipment (facsimile and photocopiers).
8. Medical equipment (resuscitation, rehabilitation, clinical).
9. Household appliances (sewing, dishwashers, washing machines and other machines of this type).
10. Simulators for the training of operators, drivers, pilots.
11. Systems of light and sound design.
12. Micromachines (actively used in medicine, biotechnology, telecommunications).

Continue this list for a very long time.

Higher education: mechatronics and robotics

Universities offer the possibility of teaching a wide range of professional skills. This list can be very long, but we will try to make it as short as possible:

1. To assess the relevance, prospects and significance of projects.
2. Develop information, electromechanical, electrohydraulic, electronic and microprocessor models of system modules.
3. Create software to manage mechatronic devices, if necessary.
4. Draw up project documents, which will describe the design and production process of individual parts.
5. Monitor development for compliance.
6. To manufacture, assemble and test the designed equipment.
7. To compile patent and license passports.
8. To modernize and debug mechatronic systems.
9. Prepare instructions for using the device.

That's what any faculty of mechatronics and robotics licensed by the Ministry of Education can provide to their students. They are few, mostly there are separate departments, but you can get the necessary education on them.

Self-realization of a person who knows mechatronics and robotics: whom to work with?

Where can I find a job after my education? Specialists of this profile create and design robotic systems for industrial and domestic use. They can also develop software to provide management and convenient operation. After receiving education, they usually start working as assistant designers, programmers and technicians, although the prospects for further work are very wide, because the facilitation of human labor and improvement of its result is the ultimate goal that mechatronics has. We have already studied what it is. And finally we want to inform you that potentially it will be possible to engage in one of such activities:

1. Research.
2. Design and engineering.
3. Operational.
4. Organizational and management.

A feature of this specialty is that there is a significant shortage of staff. Therefore, not infrequently are the facts of employment, even self-taught, who were able to demonstrate a significant level of skills and practical skills.

Conclusion

All professions are important, they are all needed. Without exaggerating, we can say that the one we described is one of the specialties of the future. The demand for mental workers of this profile is constantly growing. This fact, as well as a good level of cash provision, allows us to say that in this direction it will become much more popular in the coming decades. It is possible that the specialties of lawyers, economists and managers will go to the background, and mechatronics will come out ahead. We already know what this is, and with the understanding of the importance of this scientific discipline, agreement will also come with these words.