What is Mechatronics?

So what is Mechatronics?

Most people think of Mechatronics as robotics, but there is much more to it than that. 

For example - think of a rover on Mars. It is part robot, it is part electronics, a large part is software and it is has many sensors (environmental), a huge array of motors and failure backup devices etc. It can make decisions (using software) based on what it experiences around it, and performs actions based on those. 

For example if it is roving happily along in the martian sunshine and it senses a rock in its path. It will stop, find a clear path and adjust its direction. Just a robot? ...well quite close to a robot - that's true ... now think of a computer that could fit in your pocket, can send a signal to a metallic thread woven into your clothes that can light up the back of your shirt when you are cycling - but only when your shirt senses the dark and you tilt left or right it becomes a flashing indicator etc etc. 

Both of these examples are Mechatronics in action.

Mechatronics it is a new and growing area of interest. And now its very accessible to any one with the desire to learn.The topic of Mechatronics can be highly technical so I have tried to built some humor into my mad scientist ravings below.

By the time I started this blog, I had made a couple of simple Ardunio projects and programmed the devices with C++ directly from my MacBook Air USB Port - it took me a week to learn hookup, and do something simple. How cool is that!

I can now build practically any useful (and non-useful!) device I like and program its behavior from my MAC (or PC for that matter). My weakest area is in the electronics and mechanical side of things. My strongest is in programming logic and structure. Also in applications integration (specifically with VBA).

By the way - I have taken a liking to my little Ardunio Robot like thingee and I've called him Robbie.