What is Mechatronics?

Defining Mechatronics

Mechatronics, or mechatronic engineering, is a multidisciplinary field combining work done in disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, electronics, computer science, and software engineering. The unique benefit of mechatronics comes from the synergy between these fields. Ultimately, modern product design cannot occur in isolation. The rising demand for mechatronics has evidenced the shift towards prioritizing interdisciplinary design and engineering as we continue to develop increasingly complex products and systems.

From Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0

Mechatronics in Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0, or the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” conceptualizes the current state of technological innovations within the manufacturing space. Industry 4.0 places a heavy emphasis on automated systems, artificial intelligence, and intelligent/connected machines. Beyond IoT devices, Industry 4.0 also emphasizes the melding of the digital and physical worlds–whether in the design of the products themselves, or in the experience that they provide.

Mechatronic engineering is the key player that enables much of this Industry 4.0 technology to exist. Within the field of mechatronics, engineers integrate electronics into physical designs, thus elevating traditional products to the level of technological intelligence and wireless communication we've come to accept as the norm today. As we think about providing digital experiences in the physical world and further integrating high-powered technology and electronics into product designs, mechatronics will continue to surface as the driving force behind the continual innovation that has so characterized the Industry 4.0 wave.

Looking Ahead to Industry 5.0

Industry 5.0 takes the innovation of Industry 4.0 a step further. Industry 5.0 focuses on optimizing production while emphasizing social and environmental benefit. The collaboration between humans and intelligent machines intensifies as the relationship between the two becomes more direct. Much like Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 continues to prioritize automation, artificial intelligence, and augmented/virtual realities, but pushes these concepts further by considering with new depth the ways in which these technologies and integrated systems function in everyday life in a way that holistically enhances our day-to-day experiences, both virtually and physically.

As we move into Industry 5.0, application of mechatronics will continue to play an integral role in driving the development of new, integrated technologies, thus facilitating this transition between technological eras. As technologies and integrated systems grow increasingly complex, the need for interdisciplinary design and collaboration also grows. Mechatronics as a field encapsulates this multidisciplinary approach to product design and innovation, making it a fantastic example of the types of projects we will increasingly see in demand as we continue into Industry 5.0.

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Who Built What?

As we’ve established, mechatronic engineering is an interdisciplinary field. Let’s take a look at a real SOLIDWORKS model built by the FIRST® Robotics team Celt-X Robotics from Ontario, Canada. Here, you’ll find a representation of the interconnected nature of many mechatronics systems with some highlighted examples of who would be responsible for engineering design decisions in a completed mechatronic product.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing the physical components of a mechatronic product, like the wheels pictured here. Whether that’s modeling the gears that allow components to move, or designing the overall physical body of a robot or machine that will house the electrical and electronic systems, mechanical engineers play a key role in shaping the product’s final design.

Electrical Engineer

From robots to IoT devices, all mechatronics designs require some level of wiring, component selection, and validation to bring power safely and efficiently throughout a design. Without electrical engineering expertise to determine appropriate wire routing, circuit specifications, and hardware integration (including microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, etc.) within these moving physical systems, no mechatronic design can function to its fullest potential.

Electronics Engineer

Electronics engineers focus on the specification of circuits, and bring the design and implementation of PCBs to mechatronic products. PCBs enable the mechanical connection of electrical components, permitting signals and power to be transmitted throughout the circuit. Electronics engineering allows for mechatronic systems with higher overall integrity and operability, thus ensuring improved product quality and customer satisfaction.

Software Engineer

Software engineers are required to develop software to integrate systems and networks, facilitate device communications, control aspects of the machine–whether physical or digital, or even develop graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Ultimately, software engineers help to develop interdisciplinary, and simultaneously physical and digital, products and experiences.

SOLIDWORKS-Mechatronics-Systems-Integrator-

Systems Architect/Integrator

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, mechatronics requires input from a systems architect. Systems architects are responsible for overseeing the interconnection between the above fields. Functioning as high-level project managers, systems engineers oversee a mechatronic project from start to finish, ensuring alignment between all teams from design through to production.

Interested?

We offer free SOLIDWORKS licenses for FIRST Robotics teams. Curious about this program? Learn more below.

SOLIDWORKS for FIRST Robotics teams

Where is Mechatronics Used?

Mechatronics is used in almost every industry that deals with products, power systems, building and manufacturing, technologies, or design. Below are just some of the industries that rely on mechatronics.

Interested? Get in touch with a mechatronics expert today. Contact us

Our Solutions

SOLIDWORKS offers a range of tools commonly used in the design of mechatronics products in its portfolio. Let’s take a look.

Let’s Dive Deeper

Mechatronics has wide reaching applications spanning industries, use cases, and job titles. Below, we’ve collected some of our favorite resources that dive deeper into mechatronics and its related applications to help you learn more.

What is Mechatronics?