Tool-supported mechatronic system design

The design of quadruped trotting robot is considered as an example of a complex mechatronic system. This is used to illustrate some of the challenges in developing mechatronic systems, and how dynamic models can be used to communicate between design groups and with suppliers. The importance of having a common simulation platform for design activities is argued. The platform must also support model refinement, validation and abstraction. This enables engineers to work with models with appropriate levels of fidelity, ranging from system-level for design trade-off studies, to implementation-level for detailed component design.