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SPSU Mechatronics
Building Q - 3rd Floor
1100 South Marietta Pkwy
Marietta, GA 30060

Home >> Mechatronics >> History

History

The term “mechatronics” was first introduced in Japan in 1969 to describe the integration of mechanics and electronics [1][2][3]. The term is widely used in Europe and is generally understood by engineers in the U.S., but is less recognized by the general public. As of 2006, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) recognizes 42 undergraduate Mechatronics Engineering programs around the world. However, there is only one undergraduate mechatronics engineering degree program in the U.S. that is accredited by ABET. ABET has recognized the emerging importance of mechatronics engineering and has recently proposed specific evaluation criteria for “Mechatronics Engineering and similarly named programs” that are in the review process [4].

 

Today’s perspective of Mechatronics has evolved with technology. At SPSU we use the industry evolved definition of Mechatronics adopted by the IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics [5]:

  • The synergistic integration of mechanical engineering with electronics.
  • Intelligent computer control in the design and manufacture of products and processes.
  • The blending of mechanical, electronic, software, and control theory engineering topics into a unified framework that enhances the design process.

 

The specific objectives of the BSMtrE degree are to provide engineering graduates that:

  • Understand the interdisciplinary fundamentals of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control systems, and their integration.
  •  Have strong team skills to solve complex problems that cross disciplinary boundaries.
  • Perform research, design, and implementation of intelligent engineered products and processes enabled by the integration of mechanical, electronic, computer, and software engineering technologies.

[1]. T. More, "Mecha-tronics," Yaskawa Internal Trademark Application Memo 21.131.01, July 12, 1969.

[2]. Japan Trade Mark Kohhoku, Class 9, Shou 46-32713, 46-32714, Jan. 1971.

[3]. Japan Trade Registration No. 946594, Jan. 1972. [4]. N. Kyura and H. Oho, "Mechatronics - an industrial perspective," IEEE Transactions on Mechatronics, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 10-15, March 1996.

[4]. ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission, “Criteria For Accrediting Engineering Programs, Effective for Evaluations During the 2006-2007 Accreditation Cycle”, October, 29, 2005, Balitmore, MD.

[5]. Harashima, F., Tomizuka, M. and Fukuda, T., “Mechatronics-“What Is It, Why, and How?” An Editorial”, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, Vol. 1, pp. 1-4, 1996.