Mechatronics, systems, elements, and technology: a perspective

Mechatronics is introduced and its elements are defined. The topics discussed include descriptions of mechatronic environments, mechatronic systems, and mechatronics products subsystems component technologies; mechatronics systems elements; challenges for US industry; challenges for US academic institutions; and educational initiatives. The term mechatronics systems originated more than ten years ago with the Japanese as a composite word to depict the union of mechanical, computer, and electronic engineering in the design, manufacture, and performance of sophisticated products. Developments in the US and Japan are compared