Mechatronic Engineering:

• Is a new focus area in engineering
• Combination of mechanical engineering, electronics and computer systems

A typical Mechatronics system is characterised by close integration of the mechanical components (e.g. mechanical links, gears, etc.), electrical sensors (e.g. sensors for position, speed, light and temperature measurement), mechanical and electrical actuators (e.g. linear and rotating electrical motors, hydraulic cylinders and flow control valves), and computer controllers (e.g. custom-built controllers, personal computers and PLC's) into products and systems useful to man and society. In order to combine all these elements in an optimal way (cost effective, flexible, and with the highest performance), Mechatronics engineers must have insight into each of these disciplines.