Intelligent mechatronics

The author´s aim is to give an overview of mechatronics during the past years by looking at universities and major industries. A simple technical definition of mechatronic systems is given. A rather young field of research is micromechatronics, which is an important area of intelligent mechatronics and is discussed in detail. As yet this field is still very much in the research phase and only limited applications are feasible for the near future. On the other hand quite amazing progress has been made in manufacturing prototypes of micro-actuators and micro-sensors at research facilities. These developments are indispensable for future intelligent mechatronics. Motion control systems are beginning to heavily rely on powerful computer performance making the application of advanced control theory and new “soft technologies” feasible, e.g. fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks and visualization technology including virtual/artificial realities. In this context the author presents the “Intelligent Assisting System-IAS”. Using this system the author approaches the identification and analysis of human mechanical manipulation skills to be used for intelligent human operator assistance. Finally the author speculates about the future of mechatronics