Developing Mechatronics: What Should You Consider?

Time to Read 3 min

Mechatronics, the convergence of mechanics and electronics (usually in the form of embedded systems), has been around in almost all industries for quite some time. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a closer look at the concept and its implications.

What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is the interdisciplinary field where mechanics, electronics, software and also industrial design work together to develop useful products. Note that pure electronics also have become very rare; there is hardly any electronics without a processor, without software.

Mechatronics is the field where we as Solcept are at home with our complete range for product development.

Where is Mechatronics Used?

Mechatronics is used in virtually all mechanical products. There are hardly any mechanical systems left that do not contain electronics, e.g. aircraft, vehicles, trains, household appliances and much more. Hardly any product can do without the interaction of sensors, actuators and software with the mechanical components.

Incidentally, there also is hardly any electronics without mechanics, because a (mechanical) housing is always necessary.

Why Mechatronics?

What are the Advantages of Mechatronics?

Why are „pure” mechanical systems not made any more? Primarily to benefit from the synergies and advantages of the other technologies, which are:

• Mechanics: can interact with the physical world, even with large forces, or amplify small forces
• Electronics: can implement control much more compactly, flexibly and with less energy consumption than mechanics; in addition, many physical parameters can be measured and processed cost-effectively and accurately with electronics
• Software: can also implement comparatively complicated algorithms and, above all, has no drift or aging problems; in addition, it can be used to compensate for many of the shortcomings of mechanics
• Industrial design: ensures that software, electronics and mechanics can be operated in a user-friendly way („usability” of software and, for example, buttons, handles and displays)

What are the Disadvantages of Mechatronics? And How are They Minimized?

Of course, none of this can be achieved without accepting disadvantages, these can be managed by taking sensible measures:

• The complexity of the entire system increases
  • can be managed by good system engineering and good development processes
• Software, especially with the cybersecurity requirements, means that it has to be maintained and that updates are needed, even in the field
  • the effects of this can be reduced by sensible update concepts, including remote updates  („over-the-air”)
• Electronics have a limited lifespan, components are often not available for as long as the mechanics live
  • here, too, there are strategies for minimizing the disadvantages, on the one hand by selecting the right components and on the other hand again by a good system design that allows individual components to be replaced without having to redevelop the entire product

What does Mechatronics Mean for Functional Safety?

Functional safety can be integrated excellently into mechatronic products. For example, the ISO 13849 standard is ideally suited to combinations of electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, etc.

We have the experience to work with your internal mechanical specialists or with Marenco AG to exploit the advantages of mechatronics and minimize potential disadvantages.

Wherever you are (idea, concept, requirement specification...) and whatever your status is (idea, startup, established company...): contact me for a first free workshop to discuss your project.

Andreas Stucki

Do you have additional questions? Do you have a different opinion? If so, email me  or comment your thoughts below!