What Is Mechatronics?

The word “mechatronics” is a portmanteau, a combination of two words into one word, derived from “mechanics” and “electronics.” It is defined as the integration of mechanical engineering with electronics and intelligent control for the design and manufacturing of products and processes for the industrial industry. It is a combination of electrical, technical, and mechanical engineering. 

There are five key elements of Mechatronics: physical systems modeling, sensors and actuators, signals and systems, computers and logic systems, and software and data acquisition. In the field of industrial plants, they contribute to the industrial automation process management, optimization, and control process, as well as plant manufacturing systems. 

As the disciplines of engineering begin to blend, mechatronics will become more integrated with other systems and fields. As this happens, it becomes important for these specialists to work together, network and share their hard-earned knowledge with one another. That’s why Mobius Institute created MOBIUS CONNECT. MOBIUS CONNECT is a social platform for experts, analysts, and students of the various mechatronics fields to expand their knowledge and share their experience with other mechatronics practitioners around the world. 

The Various Applications Of Mechatronics

Because mechatronics is an integration of a variety of disciplines, there are a wide variety of applications in many fields. In advanced manufacturing specifically, mechatronics is primarily used for production line automation. Rather than having multiple, disconnected machinery to work on a product, mechatronics was used to design a chain process where a product moves from one stage to the next automatically. While moving products and materials with belt systems is not new to the manufacturing process, mechatronics introduced automation to the production line by integrating devices like barcode readers, imaging, and sound processors. For example, a packaged product on the belt can be stamped with an expiry date or a manufacturer logo.

Mechatronics does not have to replace existing systems. However, they can still make great additions to the manufacturing process, especially for measuring products. Whether it’s car parts or toy cars, it’s highly important for manufactured products to be produced with the correct size, shape, weight, and quality every time. With the installation of intelligent sensors, testing, and calibration systems at specific points in the process can help ensure that the right measurements and standards are consistently met.

Mechatronics may already be a part of your plant via the control systems. In order for a manufacturing line to be effective, there must be a regular analysis of assets to ensure that they are operating at the optimum level, as well as to check the health of the asset. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and sound are important to review regularly. This can be done efficiently and quickly with mechatronic devices such as sensors and response mechanisms. These tools are designed to monitor and maintain the desired operating conditions. For example, a temperature sensor can be set to a specific degree. Once this sensor is triggered, it can turn on the cooling system. 

The Benefits of Mechatronics in Plants and Manufacturing 

Many of the new machines and assets in plants are developed with advanced technology integrations. These are likely developed by mechatronic engineers and these mechatronic machines provide great benefits for manufacturing plants and are key to improving the overall operations of the plant. 

Mechatronic systems are great time-savers for a variety of reasons. First, a production line that is integrated has a faster rate of production than a system that has different engineering concepts and is detached from each other. An integrated mechatronic system allows for simple and fast product imaging, assortment, measuring, and recording throughout the production line. 

With this highly optimized system of production, plant managers will also likely see an increase in output. Saving time also translates to utilizing time more efficiently, ie. a significant increase in the production capacity. It is now easier to manufacture larger amounts of products with the help of mechatronics. 

Mechatronic systems may be more expensive than mechanical systems however, they’re more cost-effective at the end of the day. Of course, an automated production line means less manpower is necessary for production, and that translates into large savings in terms of labor costs. It also has fewer technical errors, so production is more efficient.

How Mechatronics Can Optimize Plant Functions

This new field of mechatronics can be applied anywhere from factory floor professionals to a four-year degree, mechatronics-trained engineers. Mechatronics helps provide plants with comprehensive optimization by focusing on areas such as product quality, tackling and solving recurring problems, and other analyses.

Following these analyses, mechatronic specialists are also able to optimize plant production by working with their production departments. These engineers can conduct preventive maintenance to ensure the health and longevity of an asset. As well, they can work with other monitoring and maintenance specialists to ensure the downtime of the machine is minimized.

How MOBIUS CONNECT is Helping Mechatronic Professionals

Mechatronics may be a fairly new discipline in the engineering field, but as technology and computerized systems become more integrated into the industrial and manufacturing fields, mechatronics will soon be utilized exponentially. Leaders and practitioners in the field of industry must continue to advance along with the systems being utilized. Continuous learning is all a part of the job description, and that’s why Mobius Institute has created the MOBIUS CONNECT social networking platform. 

Many professionals in the industrial field may notice new integrations in their plant and are unfamiliar with these systems. Questions and concerns are bound to come up to managers and other practitioners. Rather than conduct hours and hours of research, these professionals can consult with other experts that have experience in working with these technologies. 

The goal and purpose of MOBIUS CONNECT are to help leaders and practitioners of the industrial fields, including reliability improvement, condition monitoring, and precision maintenance to connect for problem-solving, continued learning, and sharing experiences. MOBIUS CONNECT provides members with live feeds and forums that contain highly valuable information and updates. Members can access this material via MOBIUS CONNECT mobile app or through the MOBIUS CONNECT website. Our other networking platforms, Reliability Connect and CBM Connect are accessible through MOBIUS CONNECT and members can find articles, case studies, videos, and podcasts. MOBIUS CONNECT also hosts live conferences for learning and progressive certifications. 

MOBIUS CONNECT was designed to help you share your unique knowledge and valuable experiences with other members of your field from around the world. When you create a profile with MOBIUS CONNECT, you can customize your settings and choose what type of industry content you want to see, who to follow, and how you’d like to receive notifications. MOBIUS CONNECT is another tool that you can use to provide you and your industry with success, advancement, and improvement. Visit https://mobiusconnect.com/ or download the mobile app to make your profile and start learning, sharing, and connecting with other leading specialists in your field.