Mechatronics, a synergistic combination of mechanical, electronic and computing engineering technologies, is a truly multidisciplinary approach to engineering. New products based on mechatronic principles are demonstrating reduced mechanical complexity, increased performance and often previously impossible capabilities. This book contains the papers presented at the UK Mechatronics Forum's 6th International Conference, held in Skövde, Sweden, in September 1998. Many of these high-quality papers illustrate the tremendous influence of mechatronics on such areas as manufacturing machinery, automotive engineering, textiles manufacture, robotics, and real-time control and vision systems. There are also papers describing developments in sensors, actuators, control and data processing techniques, such as fuzzy logic and neural networks, all of which have practical application to mechatronic systems.

Proceedings of Robotics 98: Third Specialty Conference on Robotics for Challenging Environments, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 26-30, 1998. This collection contains 49 papers discussing research into robotic technologies and application of those technologies in a variety of challenging environments. Topics include: design and control of flexible manipulators; path planning for mobile robots; sensing and modeling of unknown environments; applications in hazardous environments on Earth; applications in construction; mobile systems and rovers; robotics in education; operator interfaces; and technology transfer.

Mechatronics has evolved into a way of life in engineering practice, and it pervades virtually every aspect of the modern world. In chapters drawn from the bestselling and now standard engineering reference, The Mechatronics Handbook, this book introduces the vibrant field of mechatronics and its key elements: physical system modeling; sensors and actuators; signals and systems; computers and logic systems; and software and data acquisition. These chapters, written by leading academics and practitioners, were carefully selected and organized to provide an accessible, general outline of the subject ideal for non-specialists. Mechatronics: An Introduction first defines and organizes the key elements of mechatronics, exploring design approach, system interfacing, instrumentation, control systems, and microprocessor-based controllers and microelectronics. It then surveys physical system modeling, introducing MEMS along with modeling and simulation. Coverage then moves to essential elements of sensors and actuators, including characteristics and fundamentals of time and frequency, followed by control systems and subsystems, computer hardware, logic, system interfaces, communication and computer networking, data acquisition, and computer-based instrumentation systems. Clear explanations and nearly 200 illustrations help bring the subject to life. Providing a broad overview of the fundamental aspects of the field, Mechatronics: An Introduction is an ideal primer for those new to the field, a handy review for those already familiar with the technology, and a friendly introduction for anyone who is curious about mechatronics.