Mechatronics and Robotics: New Trends and Challenges

Mechatronics is the integration of electrical and mechanical systems into a single device, and has been growing in the years, including new aspects and disciplines like control engineering, computer engineering, and communication/information engineering. This book offers a wide overview of new research trends and challenges for both mechatronics and robotics, with attention to new fields of application, new challenges to the research communities, and new technologies available. It presents several state-of-the-art solutions, like multiple-stage actuation, ultra-high accuracy, model-based control, modern approaches of software systems engineering to robotics, and humanoids for human assistance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The term "mechatronics" was introduced in 1969, combining "mecha" from mechanism and "tronics" from electronics, to capture the original idea at the core of this discipline: the integration of electrical and mechanical systems into a single device. Over the years, the spread of this term and mechatronics itself has expanded, encompassing new aspects and disciplines such as control engineering, computer engineering, and communication/information engineering.

In today's world, mechatronics has a well-defined and fundamental role, closely intertwined with robotics. It is impossible to draw a clear boundary between mechatronics and robotics, as they share numerous technologies and objectives. Advanced robots can be defined as mechatronic devices equipped with a "smart brain," but there are also modern mechatronic devices in close interaction with humans, governed by smart architectures (e.g., for safety purposes).

The aim of this book is to provide a comprehensive overview of emerging research trends and challenges in both mechatronics and robotics. Through the contributions of researchers from various institutions, the book offers their perspectives on specific subjects they consider "hot topics" in both fields, with a focus on new areas of application, research challenges, and available technologies.

The reader of this book will greatly benefit from the diverse contributions, as they have been designed with practical applications in mind. The book takes the reader on a journey, from advanced actuators and sensors to human-robot interaction, covering topics such as robot control, navigation, planning, and programming. State-of-the-art solutions are presented, including multiple-stage actuation for handling conflicting specifications of large motion spans, ultra-high accuracy, model-based control for high-tech mechatronics.

By exploring these topics, the book aims to equip readers with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of mechatronics and robotics. Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional in these fields, this book will serve as a valuable resource for staying updated with the latest advancements and fostering innovation.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367366582