Chapter 1Mechatronics

Mechanical system control is undergoing a revolution in which the primary determinant of system function is becoming the control software. This revolution is enabled by developments occurring in electronic and computer technology. The term mechatronics, attributed to Yasakawa Electric in the early 1970s, was coined to describe the new kind of mechanical system that could be created when electronics took on the decision-making function formerly performed by mechanical components. The phenomenal improvement in cost/performance of computers since that time has led to a shift from electronics to software as the primary decision-making medium. With that in mind, and with the understanding that decision-making media are likely ...

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