Opto-Mechatronics: A New Concept of System Design

Abstract

The phrase mechatronics was invented by Japanese engineering scientists more than two decades ago (Mori, 1969). Since then it has become a discipline of its own as the synergistic integration of mechanical, electrical and control engineering in design and manufacturing (Hewit and King, 1996). There is very little doubt that the Japanese industry has benefitted from this methodology. In Europe, the concept has been gradually gaining the attention from both academic and industrial sectors. In North America, a number of universities have also established active research and teaching programs in this field. In order to keep the competitiveness of our manufacturing industry, old ways of doing things must be constantly changed and new design methodologies should be introduced.