Who Owns Mechatronics?

Abstract

This paper explains the concept of mechatronics and tries to resolve problem of leadership. It consists of four overlapping circles: mechanical systems, electronic systems, control systems, and computers. Their overlaps form digital control systems, control electronics, electromechanics, and mechanical computer-aided design. The question of who owns mechatronics—who will lead the development of next-generation electromechanical systems—often depends on where engineers work. Companies that make mechanical systems tend to let mechanical engineers lead; those that make electronics assign the lead to software and electrical engineers. In the future, though, the issue may be decided by how colleges train the next generation of mechanical engineers. Right now, most schools teach controls, basic electronics, and programming as part of the mechanical engineering curriculum. Universities are introducing courses with a goal to integrate courses so that electrical, control, and mechanical engineers learn how different disciplines use the same core knowledge to achieve different results.