Mechatronics & Design

Today, mechatronics (a fusion of mechanics and electronics), like design, serves as a key driver of innovation across various sectors. The mechatronic approach allows for the organic and interdisciplinary design of highly integrated and complex systems.

Fukada and Harashima defined it as: “a synergistic integration of mechanical engineering, electronics, and intelligent control systems.” Key regions in this field include China, the United States, South Korea, Germany, and Italy.

Mechatronics permeates many aspects of our daily lives: it has revolutionised healthcare through its application in robot-assisted surgery and is increasingly used in medical imaging.

In the automotive industry, it is employed in the design and production of advanced systems, such as self-driving cars.

The aerospace and avionics industries are also relying on mechatronics. In naval architecture, it enables the development of autonomous navigation systems for surface vessels and underwater vehicles.

The mechatronics revolution has been driven by technological advancements and the development of increasingly sophisticated and efficient systems.

The Internet of Things (IoT) enhances mechatronic applications, making them more responsive and efficient. By integrating AI algorithms, mechatronic systems can perform complex tasks while reducing the need for human intervention in potentially hazardous situations.

The connection between design and mechatronics has become indispensable. Both fields aim to maximise comfort and safety for users and operators, improve the precision of production processes, and enhance efficiency and product quality.

Examples of synergy between design and mechatronics include smart home systems—whose global market is expected to grow by USD 133.01 billion from 2022 to 2027—and wearable sensors. In the entertainment industry, these innovations are used to create animatronics and special effects in films.Mechatronic engineering and design facilitate rapid prototyping, reducing time-to-market and enabling the creation of complex geometries.

Research is increasingly focused on their contribution to environmental sustainability by optimising resource use and minimising waste.

The role of mechatronics, combined with design, is shaping both the future and the present across all sectors. It has become a fundamental driver in ensuring productivity, flexibility, and quality of life, fostering sustainable social, environmental, and economic growth.