A Unifying Interdisciplinary

and Intelligent Engineering

Science Paradigm

© JOHN FOXX

M
E C H AT R O N I C S R E P R E S E N T S A
MAKI K. HABIB unifying interdisciplinary and intelli-
gent engineering science paradigm that
fuses, permeates, and comprehends
modern engineering science and tech-
nologies. Mechatronics is regarded as a phi-
losophy that supports new ways of thinking,
innovations, design methodologies (synthesis and analysis), and
practices in the design of new intelligent products and engineering sys-
tems. It is a holistic, concurrent, and interdisciplinary engineering science
discipline that concentrates on achieving optimum functional synergy from the

12 IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE ■ SUMMER 2007 Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MIE.2007.901480 1932-4529/07/$25.00©2007IEEE
 ne
ipli
Disc
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scipli Mechatronics as Speeds, High Memory Capacity
te rdi Interdisciplinary Biotechnology, Consumer
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ence Education and Electronics, Intelligent Systems,
e llig Research Identity Information and Communication
Int
es, Technologies, Biomimetic, HAFM
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log Rapid Prototyping,
hno Opto-Electronics, Embedded Durability, Multi-Functionality,
Tec
Mechatronics as Systems, Microtechnology Flexibility, Recycle and
Engineering and and MEMs, Human Environmental Considerations.
Quality of Technology Computer Interaction,
Mechatronics Education Has
Electronic and Advanced
Gained International Recognition
Manufacturing, Knowledge
Witnessed by the Growing Number
Based Systems, Automation,
Mechatronics Numerically Controlled
of Universities Offering Under and
Informatics and Networking
as Technology Systems, Semiconductor
Postgraduate Mechatronics
and Practices Technology Boom,
Degree Courses Due to Its Role
Through Team Automotive Industry, Uniqueness of Mechatronics as a as a Unifying Interdisciplinary
Based Consumer Electronics Significant Design Trend. Interactive and Intelligent Engineering
Design Process with Consideration Science Paradigm.
Servo Technology, on: Innovation, Human Factors,
The Increase in Variety and Life Cycle Factors, Quality,
Microprocessors Complexity of Product Design Reliability, Functionality,
and the Wide Range of Growing Smartness, Portability,
Industries Initiated the Compactness, Low Cost, etc.
Technology Developed
Demand for Engineers Mechatronics has Gained Attention
Individually and Independently.
with Mechatronics and Its Importance Was Widely
Interactions Between Software,
Thinking Knowledge Recognized.
System Engineering Mechanical and Electronics
and Actions. Time Line
Elements.

1969 1980 1990 2000 2010

FIGURE 1 — The evolution of mechatronics.

earliest conceptual stages of bility, precision, smartness, flexibility, approach to fulfill the challenges of
the design process. In adaptability, robustness, and economi- modern technology and the demands
addition, it enables the cal features. The growth of interest in of the modern world.
creation, design, and mechatronics points to a need for
support of new engineers whose education and train- The Evolution of Mechatronics
concepts for real- ing enables them to operate in an The portmanteau “mechatronics” was
izing intelligent interdisciplinary manner. The curricu- first coined by Tetsuro Mori, CEO and
human-oriented lum of mechatronics engineering sci- president of Seibu Electric and Machin-
machines that ence describes the synergy of ery Co Ltd., in 1969 when he worked
coordinate and interdisciplinary elements—education, for Yaskawa Electric Corporation in
cooperate intel- knowledge, thinking, design, way of Kitakyushu, Japan [1]. The term
ligently with work, practices, and professional “mechatronics” was used in his pro-
their human skills—supported by strong engineer- posal to describe a new technology
users. The main ing science foundation beyond tradi- focus to produce new machine tools
goals of mecha- tional disciplinary boundaries and that unites mechanisms and electron-
tronics are to bring characterized by open-ended learning ics while being supported by semicon-
out novel possibili- chains with the ability to fuse new ductor power devices and CPUs. The
ties of synergizing and knowledge and experiences through term mechatronics has since then took
fusing different disciplines continuous and life-long learning. Inter- on a wider meaning than the tradition-
and to develop products, disciplinary mechatronics emphasizes al term of electro-mechanics. Figure
processes, and systems that exhibit individual- and team-based learning 1 illustrates the progressive evo-
quality performance in terms of relia- through a problem- and project-based lution of mechatronics as a

SUMMER 2007 ■ IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE 13

technology, practice, concept, and
engineering science discipline. Mecha-
tronics is now widely used to describe
a philosophy in engineering and not
just the technology itself.
Mechatronics represents a unifying interdisciplinary
and intelligent engineering science paradigm which
fuses, permeates, and comprehends modern
engineering science and technologies.
1970s
During the 1970s, mechatronics was
simple and focused mostly on servo
technology used in products with elec-
tronically controlled mechanisms,
such as automatic door openers, vend-
ing machines, and autofocus cameras.
At this stage, mechatronical products
were simple in implementation and
encompassed the early use of
advanced control methods, while the
applied technologies were developed
individually and independently of each
other. With the development of ever-
more sophisticated technologies, the
technical know-how became a primary
competitive factor, and efficient tech-
nology management was extremely
important to keep track of the fast
development in a large number of
fields. The introduction of micro-
processors in the mid-1970s produced
an explosive growth in the develop-
ment of new products that incorporate
the technologies associated with
mechanical engineering, electronics,
and information processing. Hence,
there has been an increasing need for a
new approach to engineering. During
the late 1960s and 1970s, the term “sys-
tem engineering” came into wide-
spread use and the design methods
used in mechatronics were derived
substantially from the techniques used
by system engineers [2]. System engi-
neers were the first to deal with the
complex issues raised by interactions
between software, mechanical compo-
nents, and electronics.
Mechatronics emerged in Japan to
describe the Japanese practices of
14 IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE ■ SUMMER 2007
using fully integrated teams of product
designers along with engineers with
traditional engineering backgrounds,
manufacturing staff, purchasing and
marketing personnel, etc. Such an
approach facilitates the development
of a practical base approach supported
by traditional theory to cover the key
areas of practical design. In addition,
mechatronics at this stage reflects the
way people work to design and imple-
ment high-performance, simple, reli-
able solutions. Nevertheless, most
engineers working in teams rely on
people outside their circle in imple-
menting the technical solutions. This
entails spending much of their time on
communication and coordination activ-
ities, and organizing technical solutions
rather than implementing them.
1980s
Mechatronics evolved as a design phi-
losophy and a methodology used to
optimize the design process, raise syn-
ergy, and provide a catalytic effect for
discovering new and simpler solutions
to traditionally complex problems. Such
a methodology is a collection of prac-
tices, procedures, and rules used by
those who work in a particular branch
of knowledge or discipline. In the 1980s,
mechatronics came to mean engineer-
ing and technology. The advances in
digital electronics have enabled the
ability to invent, create, and improve
systems that rely on mechanical com-
ponents to perform their intended
actions. A synergistic integration of dif-
ferent technologies began taking place,
a notable example being in optoelec-
tronics. During this stage, the codesign
concept of hardware/software was
developed and used. The development
of mechatronics technology was initial-
ly driven by the explosive trend in
automation within the automobile
industry, including the increased use of
electronics content in vehicles and the
enhanced features of the control sys-
tems achieved via software. Other con-
tributing industries include industrial
machinery and numerically controlled
systems, product integration and manu-
facturing in consumer electronics, and
the semiconductor industry. During the
second half of the 1980s, the mecha-
tronics quality product lifecycle began
to be compressed dramatically; new
technology has to be developed, manu-
factured, and introduced to the market-
place in a cost-effective approach and
ahead of the competition, as the early
market entry for the product provides a
critical competitive edge.
The enormous increases in the vari-
ety and complexity of product design
and the wide range of growing indus-
tries initiated the demand for engi-
neers with mechatronical thinking,
knowledge, and actions. It requires
engineers who are comfortable in mak-
ing the necessary decisions among a
wide range of alternative approaches
based on given design constraints.
Such demand eventually guided uni-
versities towards creating dedicated
degree programs for mechatronics.
Such programs aim to develop inter-
disciplinary thinking and practices to
problem solving where the most effec-
tive engineering solution can be
reached without bias from any given
traditional engineering discipline. The
question was how to develop an engi-
neering curriculum and teach such a
different philosophy within traditional
engineering disciplines.
1990s
By the 1990s, mechatronics came to
mean education and research identity
as it emerged as an important engineer-
ing discipline. The most notable fea-
tures of this stage were the increased
use of smart functions in mechatronical
products and systems, miniaturization
of the product, enhance human-com-
puter interaction, and the shortening of
the development cycle time through
the use of virtual prototyping and com-
puter simulation. Closely related topics
of development during the 1990s were
rapid prototyping, human-computer
interaction, optoelectronics, electronic
manufacturing and packaging, micro-
electromechanical systems, advanced
manufacturing technology for polymer
composite structures, knowledge-
based systems, material handling tech-
nologies, etc. Furthermore, a new
breed of intelligent components and
systems emerged that combine an opti-
mum blend of all available technologies
characterized by innovation, high relia-
bility, better performance, compact-
ness, and low cost. In addition, the
consideration of human factor during
the design process led to ease of prod-
uct use, safety, and increased benefits
to the end user. The advances in minia-
turization technology led to further
development of micro-electro-mechani-
cal devices such as sensors and actua-
tors and, thereafter, to the evolution of
more sophisticated sensors and servo-
motors with built-in intelligence sup-
ported by local computer-based signal
processing and control functions.
Microprocessors embedded in mechan-
ical systems led to size and efficiency
gains with the birth of antilock brakes
and electronic engine controls. Embed-
ded systems and real-time software
engineering were accomplished
through various types of embedded
microcontrollers, which are an indis-
pensable component of modern
mechatronics systems.
The 1990s highlight the beginning
of a new era that innovatively merged
mechatronics with modern communi-
cation and information technologies.
These technologies were added to
yield intelligent products that are
portable, mobile, and could be con-
nected in large networks. This develop-
ment made functions such as the
remote operation of robots, home
appliances, manufacturing, biomedical
devices, and health facilities possible.
Furthermore, fundamental and applied
developments in mini-, micro-, and
nano-scale electro-mechanics [espe-
cially microscale electromechanical
systems (MEMS) and micro-opto-
electromechanical systems (MOEMS)],
control, informatics, and power elec-
tronics have motivated and accelerated
such growth and have found a wide
range of applications. MEMS, such as
the tiny silicon accelerometers that
trigger automotive air bags, and other
electronic engine controls are exam-
ples of the latter use. After the mid-
1990s, mechatronics has been widely
recognized and received wide atten-
tion due to its role and importance.
2000–Present
Since 2000, processor speeds and
advances in building high memory
capacity predicated the boom in in-car
navigation systems and other audio-visu-
al consumer electronic products, as well
as passive and active safety systems and
more. Additional important trends are
the increasing role of nanotechnology
and the incorporation of living and non-
living molecules into processes and
products, given their value in improving
strength, appearance, durability, recycle,
and other functions.
The interdisciplinary mechatronics
field has experienced phenomenal
growth since its start more than
37 years ago due to multidimensional
advances in technology and methodolo-
gy. Today, the term mechatronics
encompasses a large array of technolo-
gies and represents most of the research
issues of modern design. The mecha-
tronics design methodology is not only
concerned with producing high-quality
products, but maintaining these prod-
ucts as well. This area, referred to as
lifecycle design, supports the knowl-
edge-intensive engineering activities
from initial conception to product dis-
posal. Lifecycle design factors include
delivery, reliability, maintainability, serv-
iceability, upgradeability, and disposabil-
ity, resulting in products that are
designed from conception to retirement.
Modern engineering encompasses
diverse interdisciplinary areas and,
accordingly, it is critical to identify new
directions in research and engineering
fields that address, pursue, and imple-
ment interdisciplinary development.
Mechatronics has been and shall
remain, a significant design trend
which influences the nature of product
development process and technologi-
cal changes, both in effect as well as
pace. Yet mechatronics was slow to
gain industrial and academic accept-
SUMMER 2007 ■ IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE 15
ance. This began to change in early
2000, as witnessed by the growing
number of universities offering under-
graduate and postgraduate mechatron-
ics degree courses. Mechatronics has
gained tremendous international atten-
tion, and its education is becoming
important, both widely and globally
implemented. It has yet to be univer-
sally adopted as an engineering sci-
ence discipline. Hence, it is important
for both industry and academic institu-
tions to work together to tune the
required infrastructures that provide
mechatronics engineers with essential
interdisciplinary knowledge, practices,
and skills [3].
Mechatronics: The Definition,
the Focus, and the Mechatronics
Knowledge Space
The term mechatronics has prompted
many debates on its proper definition
and scope. Many definitions of mecha-
tronics are available, but none has
become universally accepted [1],
[4]–[9]. Indeed, [10] includes collec-
tions of many definitions for mecha-
tronics. Most of the available definitions
vary mainly with the discipline and the
background of the person or group stat-
ing the definition [11]. Too rigid a defini-
tion would constrain and limit the
concept and the focus of mechatronics
and bound its progress. Incomplete and
unfocused definitions will only add con-
fusion to the concept of mechatronics
and create many difficulties in its
growth and evolution. Mechatronics
should not be constrained within one
of the traditional engineering discipli-
nar y boundaries. Many different
notions similar to mechatronics have
been used in various contexts. Micro-
mechatronics, opto-mechatronics,
super-mechatronics, mechano-infor-
matics, bio-mechatronics, control-
mechanics, and megatronics are some
of these, each coined to put forward a
specific aspect or application of
mechatronics [12], [13].
The rapid advances in computing
and technological capabilities have
now overtaken many of the early def-
initions of mechatronics, in particu-
lar, processor speeds and memory
capacity that led to the inclusion of
more sophisticated design and evalu-
ation algorithms and processes, many
of which contain intelligent para-
digms. There will always be a demand
to have a more dynamic and up-to-
date definition of mechatronics. As
the mechatronics discipline is rela-
tively new, evolving, and rapidly
expanding, a precise description for
the term mechatronics is not desir-
able for the time being [3]–[5]
because it is still necessary to under-
stand the prospect and the vision of
interdisciplinary engineering of which
mechatronics is an excellent example.
Hence, there is no need to spend
more time in describing the term and
arguing about the percentage of each
contributed discipline in mechatron-
ics. Specialists in the field should
cooperate and work more closely to
gradually build a common base for
the new evolving engineering science
discipline. There is an urgent and real
need for scientific contributions
(research, education, knowledge, con-
ferences, journals, collaborations,
etc.) and intensive efforts to sharpen
the understanding of mechatronics as
an interdisciplinary engineering sci-
ence and to make the progressive
mechatronics field more focused.
Mechatronics should be seen to rep-
resent a synergy and fusion of knowl-
edge and practices from a wide range
of disciplines into one knowledge
space, and it should be regarded as a
philosophy supporting a new way of
thinking and innovation in engineer-
ing science and design.
Mechatronics as an interdiscipli-
nary field tends to attract adequate
contributions and insights from all rel-
evant disciplines. However, currently
the field is not really putting forward
the opportunities and challenges aris-
ing specifically due to the interdiscipli-
nary interactions. Many mechatronics
conferences came into existence and
were unfocused, thereby not attracting
the right contributions. This is a disad-
vantage, as unfocused efforts through
many international conferences, peri-
odicals, and meetings could hamper
the development of mechatronics as
engineering science discipline [14]. Sci-
entific publications in mechatronics
16 IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE ■ SUMMER 2007
that aim to help in making mechatron-
ics more focused are still quite few.
The mechatronics community must
recognize and appreciate the added-
value contributions and specify the
challenges that help get to the heart of
mechatronics as an interdisciplinary
engineering discipline rather than
busying ourselves with formulating
rigid definitions for mechatronics.
Mechatronics has come to mean the
synergistic, interdisciplinary field of
engineering science that successfully
fuses (but is not limited to) mechanics,
electrical, electronics, informatics and
intelligent systems, control systems
and advanced modeling, optics, sys-
tems engineering, artificial intelligence,
intelligent computer control, precision
engineering, virtualization, and virtual
environments into a unified framework
that enhances the design of products
and manufacturing processes. The syn-
ergy in mechatronics engineering cre-
ative design and development enables
a higher level of productivity, precise
performance, smart and high function-
ality, precision, robustness, power effi-
ciency, application flexibility and
modularity, improved quality and relia-
bility, intelligence, maintainability, bet-
ter spatial integration of subsystems
(embodied systems), miniaturization,
and embedded lifecycle design. In addi-
tion, it contributes to shortening devel-
opment time, dealing flexibly with
complexity, and adopting cost-effective
approaches for a wide range of intelli-
gent products and applications. It is
important to note that the mechatron-
ics concept is not just about achieving
technological and knowledge synergy
but also involves aspects of organiza-
tion, training, management (projects,
products, market demands, and admin-
istration), and sustainable develop-
ment. Mechatronics systems,
processes, and products enable the
implementation of a scalable architec-
ture in which functional elements are
equipped with local control, diagnos-
tics, and communication features. The
design of mechatronical systems must
ensure an effective transfer of complex-
ity between individual technologies,
both for individual elements within the
system and for the system as a whole.
The adoption of such a synergized,
inter- or trans-disciplinary approach to
engineering design implies a greater
understanding of the design process.
Mechatronics is a unifying interdis-
ciplinary and intelligent paradigm that
synergizes, permeates, and compre-
hends modern engineering technolo-
gies, systems, and practices. It
pervades virtually every aspect of the
modern world. The framework of the
mechatronics engineering science dis-
cipline describes the synergy of educa-
tion, knowledge, thinking, design, way
of work, practices, and professional
skills, which is supported by a strong
engineering science foundation beyond
traditional disciplinary boundaries and
characterized by open-ended learning
chains with the ability to continuously
fuse new knowledge and experiences
through life-long learning. Interdiscipli-
nary mechatronics emphasizes contin-
uous self-learning and team-based
learning through a problem- and proj-
ect-based approach to fulfill the chal-
lenges of modern technology and the
demand for innovation. Figure 2 intro-
duces the paradigm of the knowledge
space describing the mechatronics
engineering science discipline which
reflects the author’s understanding of
the mechatronics knowledge space.
The author believes that right through
the early stage of mechatronics educa-
tion, learning, and skill building, the
contributed knowledge of all inherent
disciplines at the degree program
(interdisciplinary foundational and
core knowledge) and the newly added
knowledge, experience, and practices
through professional life as needed are
continuously fused to characterize the
uniqueness of mechatronics as an engi-
neering science discipline. No bound-
aries are going to remain between the
contributed knowledge from other dis-
ciplines once they enter the mecha-
tronics knowledge space. No solid lines
have been used in Figure 2 between the
contributed knowledge within the
mechatronics knowledge space and
with the general knowledge space to
emphasize the readiness of the mecha-
tronics knowledge space to fuse new
knowledge, experiences, and skills that
expand it further. Hence, mechatronics
education, learning, and design should
reflect this fact through the learning
process while preparing new mecha-
tronics engineers. In addition, a major
issue facing mechatronics and mecha-
tronics engineers is the readiness and
will to continuously learn (self-learn-
ing, team-based learning, continuous
education, research, etc.) and to effi-
ciently fuse new knowledge, skills,
and practices into the knowledge
space of mechatronics, as illustrated
in Figure 2. The locations, the level of
overlapping, the list of foundational
and core knowledge, and that of spe-
cialized knowledge and experience
within the mechatronics knowledge
space are used for illustration, as in
reality they are not isolated and they
do not have dedicated locations with-
in the mechatronics knowledge space
because old and new knowledge are
continuously fused. In addition,
selecting specialized topics or going
into the details of others depend
upon the interest of each individual
and the professional needs. The
“Mechatronics Engineers and the
Role of Mechatronics Engineering Sci-
ence Discipline” section includes fur-
ther details on the synergized and
interdisciplinary foundational and
core knowledge associated with a
mechatronics degree program.
Does Mechatronics Represent a
Subsystem-Based Approach?
A subsystem-based approach is a
design and product development strat-
egy by which integrated systems are
built from technology homogeneous
subsystems (mechanics, electronics,
control, and software). Classical sub-
systems are developed in a concurrent
manner with a prominent focus on

The General Knowledge Space

Other Topics of
New Topics Interest
New Topics
of Interest
Biotechnology Mechatronics
Knowledge Space
High Voltage
MEMs, VLSI,
Power Systems
Other New Topics Microsystems Medical Imaging and Other New Topics
of Interest
Instrumentation of Interest
Smart
Mechatronics’ Foundational
Structures and Core Knowledge, such as Computational
Mathematics, Physics, Electrical, Electronics,
Intelligence
Electrical Machines, Mechanics, System Dynamics
Automotive and Modeling, Control, Sensors and Perception,
Engineering Algorithms, Mechatronics Design-Analysis, Machine Seeking Knowledge
Design, Fluid Power, Smart Materials and MEMs, Biomimetics Relevant to New
Computer Network, Programming and IT,
Precision Microcontrollers, Embedded and Real-Time Systems,
Projects and Area
Engineering Robotics and Automation, AI, Simulation and of Research
Interactive Virtual Modeling, Manufacturing
Processes and Production Systems, Projects,
Team Based
Engineering Management, Professional Experience Through
Intelligent Control, Practices, and Electives. Projects New Topics
Real-Time Systems
Wireless Sensor
Human Adaptive/ Networks and Ambient
Friendly Intelligence New
Mechatronics Professional
Skills

Continuous
Self-Learning Note:
The selection/overlapping
of specialized topics
(beyond the foundational
and core knowledge),
and their details depend
on the interest of each
individual and the
professional needs of
the relevant carrier.

FIGURE 2 — Mechatronics knowledge space paradigm.

SUMMER 2007 ■ IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE 17

subsystem interfaces [4] and not on
optimizing the overall design process.
Successful mechatronics engineering
can hardly be based solely on such lit-
erature. Mechatronics should be seen
to represent synergy and fusion of
knowledge, technologies, and prac-
tices. Thus, a mechatronics engineer
identifies with systems thinking and
the philosophy that lies behind it.
Mechatronics products and systems
can only achieve their desired func-
tionality through a process of system-
atic fusion of all inherent disciplines
involved right through from the con-
ceptual stages. Invoking only mechani-
cal, electronic, or computer-based
entities would not in itself provide a
unified approach to its delivery for a
complete system solution. Team-based
mechatronics solutions require the use
of an integrated and interdisciplinary
team of personnel working towards a
common goal and seeking to optimize
an engineered solution as an outcome
of the development process rather
than compromising it. This insight nat-
urally lends itself to the concept of
total quality. However, quality in
mechatronics is already implied by the
way in which system-based solutions
are sought, as well as by the method-
ologies used for achieving it. In reality,
mechatronics opens up enormous
technological possibilities that would
never be possible by adopting a tradi-
tional single disciplinary or classical
subsystem-based approach.
The new flexibility in mechatronics
design is based upon a number of
design choices with respect to the way
to partition the design into core func-
tionalities, select the suitable technolo-
gy, and implement it. Adopting the
technology for the decided functionali-
ties at the early stage of the design will
limit the possibilities for further
improvement of the system design.
The solution of tasks for designing
mechatronic products and systems is
performed at every technological
level in that design. Herewith, the
interrelations during the design
process play an important role
because of the interrelated influence
from each technological level. This
means that simultaneous engineering
18 IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE ■ SUMMER 2007
has to take place with the goal of creat-
ing synergetic effects [15]. In addition,
to improve this situation, there is an
urgent need for theories, models, and
tools that facilitate modeling, analysis,
synthesis, simulation, and prototyping
of multitechnological systems both at
the subsystems level and at the system
level, of which mechatronic systems
are an important example. The key to a
concurrent and synergetic mechatron-
ics design methodology is modeling
and simulation. Being able to analyze
and simulate the subsystem at an early
design stage is of great help in finding
the optimum design solution. Hence,
one of the most important features of
mechatronics design tools will be the
interchangeability of models between
design tools from different domains.
Control algorithms and, hence, control
engineering are essential to mecha-
tronics systems. Ideally, this will lead
to a development strategy involving
more conceptual and top-down design
and less ad hoc and bottom-up design.
The design and development
process of mechatronic products and
systems embeds the subsystem and
subprocess techniques through syner-
gy and fusion. The mechatronics
development process is different from
other development processes in the
sense that it spans many closely cou-
pled engineering domains. To optimize
a subsystem, it is necessary to treat
the entire system in a concurrent and
synergized manner during the design
process. Optimization within each
domain separately will not result in
the optimum system design. There-
fore, all the domains of the subsys-
tems have to be treated interactively
and concurrently.
Mechatronics: A Unifying
Interdisciplinary Paradigm
The technology at the beginning of the
21st century cannot be partitioned
according to conventional disciplines
and, further, important innovations
often stem from the interaction of sev-
eral previously unconnected streams
of scientific and technological activi-
ties. Such evolution demands a poten-
tial interdisciplinary approach that is
able to bridge the gap between real
applications, including research, and
scientific disciplines [2], [17]. It is
important to understand properly the
interdisciplinary engineering concept
and point out how the synergy of disci-
plines leads to an integration of disci-
plinary insights through construction
of a more comprehensive perspective
and how to evolve to new degrees of
freedom in design and corresponding
research directions.
New technology, new ideas, new sub-
jects of study, and new research goals
are emerging at the same time and rais-
ing challenges to disciplinary bound-
aries. In addition, there are real-world
issues and problems that are too broad
or complex to be dealt with adequately
by a single discipline or profession, and
they can be fruitfully examined in an
interdisciplinary framework. Multiple
viewpoints are thus developed and
gradually become part of the new
trends of explanation, modeling, and
confrontation. Interdisciplinary work is
a purposeful interaction of knowledge,
skills, and processes from different
fields of study and different perspec-
tives towards problem-solving, broad
understanding, and cognitive develop-
ment. True interdisciplinary work
occurs when researchers from two or
more disciplines pool their knowledge,
experience, and techniques and have
open and transparent interaction so
that their synergized ideas and thinking
are better suited to solve the problem at
hand. Interdisciplinary work involves
bringing together distinctive compo-
nents of two or more disciplines in a sin-
gle mind. In academic discourse, the
term interdisciplinary typically applies
to four realms: knowledge, research,
education, and theory [18]–[20]. Inter-
disciplinary analysis requires synergy of
knowledge, and its quality depends on
the degree of influence exerted by the
respective disciplines while it helps to
push research in related fields into new
fruitful directions. Various disciplinary
knowledge, concepts, tools, and rules of
investigations are considered, contrast-
ed, and combined in such a way to yield
a better outcome that is more than sim-
ply the sum of each discipline. Success-
ful interdisciplinary thinkers do not only
generate new knowledge through
concurrent synergy and synthesis as
they explore the issue or topic at
hand, they also acquire a fuller
appreciation for the epistemological
similarities and distinctions between
and among the disciplines.
Mechatronics engineering is about
mastering a multitude of disciplines,
technologies, and their interaction,
whereas mechatronic science is about
invention and development of new the-
ories, models, concepts, and tools in
response to new needs evolving from
interacting scientific disciplines.
Mechatronics thinkers will play a
major role in closing the gap between
different disciplines. Mechatronics is
an engineering science that features an
interdisciplinary knowledge area and
interactions in terms of ways of work
and thinking, practical experiences,
and theoretical knowledge. Conse-
quently, the important role of mecha-
tronics is to bridge the gaps between
relevant engineering sciences. Mecha-
tronics creates a virtual locus where
researchers from different fields and
disciplines can meet. Creating the
synergy between different disciplines
leads to new degrees of freedom in
design and corresponding research
directions. In addition, the professional
mechatronics concurrent design and
development process features interdis-
ciplinary work in practice through
innovative development processes by
merging necessary team members
from different disciplines inside a con-
current and interactive development
environment, and facilitates systematic
and synergized process to achieve the
necessary fusion through the design
process. The mechatronics design and
development process can be divided
generally into seven interactive stages:
understand the problem and identify
the need; collect relevant information;
introduce alternative solutions; choose
the optimal solution; design and build
a prototype; test, evaluate, and adjust
the development process; and esti-
mate manufacturing cost and assess
production feasibility. Figure 3 intro-
duces the synergetic and interactive
development environment for the
mechatronics design and development
process along with the main actors.
Learning and Thinking Through
Innovative Mechatronics Design
Mechatronics focuses on the process
of learning linked with actions rather
than teaching, and the learning process
is directly coupled with thinking. Think-
Mechatronics evolved as a design philosophy and a
methodology used to optimize the design process,
raise synergy, and provide a catalytic effect for
discovering new and simpler solutions to
traditionally complex problems.
ing is a skill that can be developed. It is
important to prepare students, educa-
tors, and members of research teams
to engage in thinking about something,
knowing how to conduct inquiry, how
to listen, how to evaluate the opinions
of others, and how to compare alterna-
tives. This will help to organize think-
ing as a methodology and techniques
to reach certain goals through a sys-
tematic use of thinking tools, clear
awareness of the need for reflective
thinking, self-evaluation of thinking,
design of thinking tasks, and methods
to implement these tasks.
The mechatronics engineering sci-
ence is a challenging field that improves
the design process, methodologies, effi-
ciency, energy savings, ease of use, and
human factors from the viewpoint of the
system level. Imparting creative thinking
and problem solving within the design
process of mechatronical projects and
systems requires not only changing the
teaching methods and learning environ-
ment, but also adopting new assessment
methods [21], [22]. This component of
the evaluation determines the degree to
which the approach to mechatronics is
implemented and the impact of each
activity on specified student learning
outcomes. These aspects of a learning
environment contribute to creating chal-
lenges, curiosity, imagination, and suc-
cess in the study of science and
technology. It is evident that there is a
role for science and technology educa-
tion, as they remain a crucial part of gen-
eral education [23]. Infusing creative
SUMMER 2007 ■ IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE 19
thinking skills into the design process
during project-based learning may pro-
vide a rich learning environment that
contributes not only to the develop-
ment of thinking skills but also to a bet-
ter understanding of the discipline
under study. The mechatronics engi-
neering science curriculum suggests
that educators create rich learning
environments filled with real-world
applications. The assessment process-
es of learning outcomes in a rich learn-
ing environment have had an important
impact on the learning process.
It is important for the student to
study and apply lateral thinking tools
to deal with different alternatives, con-
sider multiple factors, and refrain from
premature judgments on ideas. Lateral
thinking refers to discovering new
directions of thinking in the quest for a
wealth of ideas through brainstorming.
In addition, they should use vertical
thinking tools to shortlist the best solu-
tions, document their design process,
and then go through the details of
implementation, testing, and evalua-
tion. Vertical thinking deals with the
development of idea details and
checks them against objective criteria.
In order to be able to use both effec-
tively, one must appreciate their differ-
ences. During the work on a
technological project, lateral thinking
initiates the learning process while stu-
dents seek alternatives and examine
different solutions through brainstorm-
ing [24]. Vertical thinking is essential at
the stage of choosing a solution and
developing it. Vertical thinking and lat-
eral thinking complement each other,
and both are the essential elements of
creative thinking [25]. Lateral thinking
is a central, but not singular, compo-
nent of creative thinking. Referring
back to Figure 3, the same interactive
development environment can be used
as a paradigm supporting team-based
learning through problem- and project-
based approaches. In this case, the
actors will be the students making up
the project team. In addition, another
stage (stage zero) is created to enable
team members to conduct brainstorm-
ing, which leads to establishing the
topic or problem of the project under
the guidance of their supervisor.
To avoid the unexpected trouble of
a generalized design process, students
should fuse the knowledge of the vari-
ous disciplines and learn the applica-
ble standards and rules, as well as the
underlying scientific principles and
economic concepts with the necessary
project management skill. Project-
based learning in technology encour-
ages students to work in teams where
they can combine hands-on activities.
Problem solving through project-based
learning could be used as a tool to
develop students’ competencies by
working on integrated projects [26].
Many of the steps in mechatronics
design start to rely on computer-based
tasks, such as information fusion, man-
agement, and design testing, etc. Due
to this, a mechatronics design process
needs to be supplemented with infor-
mation systems and an efficient com-
puter-aided prototyping environment
that can guide all early analysis and
design phases of the development
process to significantly decrease devel-
opment and validation time. The key
functions and set of tools that feature
such a development environment may
include (but are not limited to): model-
ing, simulation, project management,
design analysis, real-time interface,
code generator, embedded processor
interface, synchronization, hardware
in-loop simulation, software design
library, software components of mecha-
tronic subsystems, CAD and mechani-
cal library support, test support, etc.
Keep in mind that there will always be
error between the behavior of a prod-
uct model and the actual product. In
mechatronics design, unmodeled
errors are accounted for in the proto-
typing step, where their effects are
absorbed into the design. During pro-
totyping, many noncomputer subsys-
tems of the model can be replaced
with actual hardware. Sensors and
actuators provide the interface signal
necessary to connect the hardware
subsystems back to the model. Since
system elements may work in a differ-
ent time base, it is essential to have
proper synchronization.
Researchers, designers, and com-
mercial developers are now employing
a wide range of advanced computing

Final Design for

Synergetic and Interactive Production with Full
Development Environment Documentation
for Mechatronics Design
and Development Process. Estimate
Manufacturing Cost,
and Assess Production
Feasibility.
Project Coordinator
Design Review, Evaluation,
Schedule, Milestones, Design Team
Enhancement, Life Cycle
Resources, Constraints, Work
Design Factors, and Human
Assignment, Documentation
Factors Considerations.
Plan, Schedule, Roles and
Responsibilities, Design
Details, Simulate, Test, Build
Prototype, Evaluate, Optimize.
Finance and Technical and
Sales Personnel Short List, Assess, Shapeup Production Personnel
Solutions, and Select Solution. Set
Target Functional Requirements
and Details Specifications.

Brainstorming for New Ideas and

Solutions Development. List
Others Personnel Potential Solutions, Scenarios, Logic Manufacturing
as Necessary Flow, Priorities. Personnel

Explore and Analyze Relevant Existing

Systems, and Patents. Establish Technical
Feasibility and List Functional Requirements.

Understand and Define the Nature of the

Stage 1
Problem/Target, and Identify the Needs. Set
• Define Market Segments Interaction with Environment
Goals and Constraints.
and Other Personnel for
• Identify Lead Users
Information, Discussion,
• Identify Competitive Presentation, etc. and as
Products Necessary

FIGURE 3 — Synergetic and interactive development environment for mechatronics design and development process with its interactive stages.

20 IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE ■ SUMMER 2007

techniques that are capable of
enhancing the working environment of
designers and empowering engineers
in their work [16]. Some important ele-
ments of engineering informatics are
explicit representations of physical
and abstract components, symbolic
A key topic in the new mechatronics era is the design
of human-oriented machines that implies intelligent
and cooperative coexistence beyond time and
physical constraints.
and numerical process models, graphi-
cal user interfaces, large-scale data-
bases, and interactivity.
Human Adaptive and Friendly
Mechatronics (HAFM)
The new era of mechatronics provides
new methodologies and tools to design
and build machines and systems for
safety, security, and dependability. The
main goals of modern technologies are
to have a smart living environment
that reduces operational stress, facili-
tates better life, and assists human
well-being while maximizing perform-
ance. The increased functionality and
smartness mean the ability of products
to identify and respond to changes in
the environment and to user’s needs.
Hence, a key topic in the new mecha-
tronics era is the design of human-ori-
ented machines that implies intelligent
and cooperative coexistence (beyond
time and physical constraints) be-
tween technical systems and biological
ones (human) within their natural envi-
ronment. Human and machine may
either share the same natural environ-
ment or be located at different ones. In
the latter case, it should be supported
by mutual awareness to create a natu-
ral and mutual perception as they are
co-located within the same natural
environment. The machines can over-
come situations that could not be fore-
seen at the design stage, in an
autonomous way and up to a certain
degree of complexity, while in critical
situations it is necessary to facilitate
intelligently the interaction with the
human user/operator [27]. Mechatron-
ics will meet human science and will
be applied to enhance human perform-
ance in general, through harmony of
coexistence, and to help elderly/handi-
capped people lead their lives safely
and securely. However, the design of
human-oriented machines should
bring no mental and psychological
stress to its user. This will lead to
human-friendly and environmentally
conscious mechatronic technologies
that coordinate work and cooperate
with human beings. It appears natural
to design machines that can cooperate
in an intelligent way with their human
users, thus enabling humans to make
the best use of the machine capabili-
ties while it protects itself from any
misuse or critical situations. Such
human-oriented machinery will have
novel features in their behavior
relevant to the level of interaction with
humans [3], [27], [28]. This implies
that the enabling mechatronics sys-
tems have to understand human
behavior and interact intelligently,
adaptively, seamlessly, and mutually
for the sake of optimizing the perform-
ance. This will be achieved by using
new methods and techniques with
learning and adaptive properties that
reflect the complexity of the working
environment and the design require-
ments for the interactive cooperation
between human and machine.
Robust HAFM systems adapt them-
selves to the skill level or dexterity of
humans under various environments
with aims of improving user’s skill and
assisting the human-machine interac-
tion to achieve the best performance.
This includes not only assisting con-
trol action, but also providing proper
data and knowledge for understanding
the situation and making better deci-
sions. Humans can improve the skill
SUMMER 2007 ■ IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE 21
elements of their actions based on
interactive signals that yield to change
in skill parameters. To fulfill this reli-
ably, it must
■ model human and machine dynam-
ics with special consideration on
variable constraints
■ model the psychophysical charac-
teristics of human user/operator
■ model the required operation based
on the demand for essential skill,
knowledge, and quality decisions
■ understand the cognition of human
behaviors and extend the assistance
to humans by providing information
that helps to understand the situa-
tion, leading to quality decisions
and a higher level of coordination
■ enable dynamic interaction between
such mechatronical systems and
human; aspects that have to be con-
sidered in designing such interac-
tive and cooperative machines
include work psychology, safety,
ergonomics, control architecture,
control modules, etc.
■ assure safety throughout the cou-
pling and interactive relation
between human and machine with
the capability to resolve urgent and
critical situations.
There are a number of criteria for
how functions and authority are allo-
cated to human and machine depend-
ing on the versatility of humans and
the consistency of the machine. These
criteria may include the following
techniques: leftover (with a high
degree of automation, and only the
tasks which cannot be automated are
left over to human), economic (for
each partial task the cheapest solution
is chosen), comparison (the task is
allocated to the side who performs
best), and complementary (assume
that both sides have different capabili-
ties, while complementing each other)
[27]. Understanding these criteria may
help to develop intelligent tools that
can assist human operators/users by
giving them natural operational feel-
ings. This demands physical symmet-
rical interaction between both sides
mediated by common tools/modules,
which includes their dynamical and
behavioral/functional models, and
supported by sensory information
reflecting each side’s activities and
their local environments. Both sides
may be located at the same local
environment or located at completely
different environments. Ambient intel-
ligence, biologically inspired technolo-
gy (biomimetics), information and
The interdisciplinary mechatronics field has
experienced phenomenal growth since its start more
than 37 years ago due to multidimensional advances
in technology and methodology.
communication technologies, intelli-
gent control, and smart materials rep-
resent good candidates to facilitate
the evolution of HAFM.
Mechatronics and the
Role of Information and
Communication Technologies
The evolution of information and com-
munication technologies and infra-
structures of networking along with
multimedia facilities and multimodal
interfacing are infiltrating our lives and
imposing new structures and linkages
not only on human living physical
environments but also on human life
and work habits. Such changes will not
only cover gathering and exchanging
information but also the way to con-
duct business, education, research,
medical treatment, space missions,
consultation, and manufacturing. With
the beginning of the 21st century, a
definite move can be recognized
towards a new, global sense of connec-
tivity where physical presence is no
longer a prerequisite for physical influ-
ence. The success of the machine and
electromechanical industries will
depend on their ability to incorporate
the best achievements of information
technology into their products and
processes to discover and utilize new
functionalities and respond quickly to
new market and user demands.
Cheap and high-density microelec-
tronics will proliferate in all tools and
physical environments, and its minia-
turization plays a major role in
mechatronics. Industrial design and
22 IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE ■ SUMMER 2007
development sectors have recognized
that the demand for better perform-
ance, considering cost and environmen-
tal constraints, cannot be achieved by
simply having highly performing hard-
ware or by increasing the physical func-
tionality of individual components.
Modeling activities are needed in prod-
uct design and interaction design with
software content that utilizes the
advantages provided by the capabilities
of individual elements. The software
becomes an actual part of machine ele-
ments that is necessary for its function
and operation. The role and power of
the system software enables better per-
formance through interaction and expe-
rience building that features smart
products. The success of microcon-
trollers and digital signal processors
was characterized by an efficient hard-
ware combined with flexible and
adaptable software structures [8].
Furthermore, technological systems
that are controlled through software
by a computer provide a rich learning
environment and expose the learner
to a variety of representations and
configurations, such as realistic mod-
els, simulations, mathematical models,
algorithms, graphics, and animations.
In mechatronics, software and sen-
sory information represents vital
dynamic elements that contribute to
optimizing capabilities, enhancing
smartness, and improving flexibility of
targeted systems through the design
process. The capabilities of mechatron-
ics systems are increasingly a function
of their control software, and computa-
tional capabilities and limitations must
be considered at every stage of design
and implementation. The software in
mechatronics systems is the making of
information fusion with methods and
algorithms to facilitate decisions and
action support and the building of
associated intelligent functionalities.
Information fusion can take place at dif-
ferent levels of abstraction in a system
and at each subsystem as necessary.
The resulting decision or action is in
some sense better, qualitatively or
quantitatively. In addition, utilizing the
Internet and fusing mechatronics with
information networks is supporting
global connectivity and enabling peo-
ple and systems to act and operate
beyond time and space constraints.
Just as the Internet induces us to think
of information as a flow with a plurality
of contexts, research on the network
similarly forces us to think of science
as a dynamic enterprise with a plurality
of referents. Practicing interdiscipli-
nary work means taking advantage of
this plurality and guaranteeing the dif-
fusion of ideas and the mobility of con-
cepts [29], [30].
Mechatronics Engineers and
the Role of the Mechatronics
Engineering Science Discipline
Until recently, most engineers have
been trained in one very specific disci-
pline, while today’s product designers
need to have interdisciplinary educa-
tion and knowledge in system design.
In addition, the composition of existing
products has undertaken a drastic
change that requires an important
adaptation of today’s educational cur-
riculum in engineering [36]. To achieve
the needed operational quality and effi-
ciency, current and future engineering
workplaces require skills of graduates
that go beyond those taught in tradi-
tionally designed degree programs.
Mechatronics design philosophy and
concurrent practices for achieving the
physical embodiment of those designs
have been recognized as an effective
response to the challenges. For the pur-
pose of adopting such a philosophy,
the engineering education and learning
systems are confronted with the need
to have creative response by develop-
ing new curriculums integrating con-
current theoretical and practical
knowledge, synthesize vertical and lat-
eral thinking, and create a rich and flex-
ible learning environment to fulfill the
demands for multiskilled engineers
[31]–[33]. There is a need to develop
interdisciplinary mechatronics educa-
tional degree programs which can qual-
ify the graduates to effectively think,
create, design, lead, build, and maintain
the products and systems of today and
tomorrow. There is a need to prepare
engineers who are proficient in the
combined application of systems
design as well as mechanical, elec-
tronic, and computer-based control to
manage sophisticated manufacturing
processes and technology-intensive
operations, develop high-value-added
products of mechatronics nature, and
provide quality interdisciplinary engi-
neering services. A mechatronics engi-
neer should be a good communicator
and equipped with good management
skills that enable him/her to work in
and lead design teams, which may con-
sist of specialist engineers as well as
general staff. Industries and academic
institutions are currently reacting to
these challenges in their own different
ways [33]–[37].
Mechatronics engineering education
should focus to produce engineers who
can work in a high-technology environ-
ment, emphasize real-world hands-on
experience, and engage challenging
problems and complex tasks with ini-
tiative, innovation, and enthusiasm. It
should produce engineers who can rea-
son effectively, accurately, and creative-
ly from an integrated, flexible, and
reusable knowledge base. Mechatron-
ics education should prepare engineers
who have the skills of free inquiry and
are able to solve complex and large-
scale problems from a system perspec-
tive. It can produce engineers who can
carry out subject-specific and interdis-
ciplinary projects, and collaborate
effectively as a team member across
disciplines on mechatronical projects.
Mechatronics education can produce
engineers who have confidence to take
responsibility in making decisions
throughout the development process
of new products and projects and have
competence in communication, team-
work, and project management along
with essential managerial personal
skills needed to design and produce
modern-day mechatronic products,
processes, and systems and build up
confidence in planning, negotiation,
and presentation. Mechatronics cur-
riculum and the educational environ-
ment should promote interest in
lifelong learning in practicing engineers
with the ability to monitor and assess
their own adequacy in knowledge and
skills to achieve desirable outcomes. In
addition, it should address industrial
and end-user needs with knowledge of
computer and information tools used
in industry.
A mechatronics engineering degree
program should be designed to incor-
porate foundational subjects with fun-
damental knowledge in physics,
mathematics and statistics, computer
system and programming, mechanics—
static and dynamic, structural mechan-
ics, thermo-fluid and power systems,
introduction to algorithms, electrical
and electronics, measurements and
interfacing, etc. In addition, there
should be core subjects in system
dynamics and modeling, control sys-
tem (theory, design, analysis), smart
material and MEMs, embedded real-
time systems, microcontrollers, sen-
sors and perception, mechatronics and
engineering design, machine design,
robotics and automation, simulation
and virtual prototyping, manufacturing
process and intelligent manufacturing,
AI and computational intelligence, com-
munication protocols and networking,
engineering management, etc. Elective
subjects can be added to further deep-
en students’ knowledge in certain areas
of specialization. Some of these techni-
cal areas may include intelligent con-
trol and real-time systems, advance
control theory, medical instrumenta-
tions and control, nanotechnology and
micro-mechatronics, automotive tech-
nologies and intelligent transportation
systems, process control, intelligent
robotic systems, biomechanics, com-
puter vision and learning, aerospace
systems, high-voltage systems and pro-
tection, smart structures, etc. Further-
more, it should include supporting
subjects in management, product
development and marketing, and pro-
fessional engineering practices. The
author would like to emphasize that
the importance of the foundational
knowledge is not less than that of the
core knowledge. In addition, it is impor-
SUMMER 2007 ■ IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE 23
tant to mention that the mechatronics
curriculum for a degree program
should meet the standard require-
ments, such as ABET criteria [38]. The
ABET criteria emphasizes the impor-
tance of interdisciplinary education
and teamwork with proper balance
between design, hands-on and project-
based applications for the purpose of
supporting learning and establishing
fundamental theoretical background. In
addition, the total number of required
credits should be maintained according
to the standard requirements.
The theoretical and practical com-
ponents of any mechatronics curricu-
lum should be integrated so that the
topics for the lectures emerge from the
direction that the (small, medium, and
large) projects are taking. The projects
should be designed to lead students to
develop a greater interest in engineer-
ing learning processes and reflect real
needs more closely. Progress and diver-
sity should characterize the projects.
This enables the students to build upon
the knowledge and skills that they have
developed during previous stages while
subjecting them to new challenges.
Incorporating projects into earlier years
of degree programs increases students’
curiosity, physical understanding, and
insight. It is important to strengthen
and sustain the quality and integrity of
a targeted mechatronics degree pro-
gram by having industrial linkage, peer
review, and professional self-regulation.
At the same time, an internal review
process presents an invaluable oppor-
tunity to analyze how to conduct and
improve affairs.
Conclusions
Through its evolution, mechatronics
has proven itself as a unifying interdis-
ciplinary and intelligent engineering
science paradigm, as it is opening new
horizons in all fields due to the stimu-
lation of synergy, fusion, and interdisci-
plinary efforts. This insight naturally
lends itself to the concept of total qual-
ity which emphasizes learning and
innovation rather than teaching.
HAFM represents the new era of
mechatronics, which provides new
methodologies and tools to design and
build new human-oriented machines
and systems featuring harmony and
coexistence with its human user.
Mechatronics has gained tremen-
dous international attention, and its
education is becoming important, both
widely and globally implemented.
There is a need for the mechatronics
community to focus their efforts in
sustaining the progressive evolution of
mechatronics as an engineering sci-
ence discipline by strengthening its
core pillars: interdisciplinary work,
learning and thinking, knowledge
fusion, problem- and project-based
innovation, and skill building. In addi-
tion, mechatronics engineers and prac-
titioners should be marked by life-long
learning and the ability to engage
challenging problems and complex
tasks with initiative.
Finally, adopting and understanding
the philosophy of mechatronics as a
way of thinking—coupled with the
actions of solving complex problems,
developing effective solutions and
design, and managing resources—
would be great assets to be considered
by other engineering and nonengineer-
ing disciplines, as it would empower
them with strength and competence.
Biography
Maki K. Habib (maki@ieee.org)
obtained his B.Sc.Eng. degree in control
and systems engineering and an
M.Sc.Eng. degree in computer engineer-
ing from the University of Technology-
Baghdad in 1978 and 1981, respectively.
He obtained his Ph.D. in intelligent
robots from the University of Tsukuba-
Japan in 1990. He was a lecturer at the
University of Technology-Baghdad. He
was research scientist at RIKEN-Japan, a
senior researcher at RISO Laboratories-
Japan, and a visiting researcher at EPFL
Lausanne-Switzerland. He was a visiting
expert under the Asian Development
Bank (ADB), an associate professor with
Malaysia University of Technology, and
a senior manager for Technology Devel-
opment and Engineering Consultancy at
Malaysia Centre for Robotics and Indus-
trial Automation. He worked with GMD-
Japan Research Laboratory-Japan as a
senior research scientist leading the
Telecooperation group. Between
2001–2004, he was as an associate pro-
24 IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE ■ SUMMER 2007
fessor with Monash University Malaysia
leading the Mechatronics Engineering
Program. From 2005, he was a professor
of Robotics and Mechatronics at Swin-
burne University Malaysia. Between
June 2005 and June 2006, he was an
invited professor at the Korea Advanced
Institute of Science and Technology
(KAIST)-Korea. Currently, he is a visiting
professor at Saga University-Japan. He
continues to work as a consultant and
technical advisor in the field of robotics,
mechatronics, and industrial automa-
tion with highly recognized organiza-
tions and companies. He has more than
150 papers published in internationally
recognized journals and conferences.
His main areas of research are in HAFM,
intelligent sensors systems, auto-
nomous navigation, service robots and
humanitarian demining, telecoopera-
tion, distributed teleoperation and col-
laborative control, wireless sensor
networks and ambient intelligence, bio-
memtic robots, and intelligent control.
References
[1] N. Kyura and H. Oho, “Mechatronics—An indus-
trial perspective,” IEEE/ASME Trans. Mechatron.,
vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 10–15, 1996.
[2] J. Trevelyan, “Introduction to mechatronics
design,” 2003 [Online]. Available: http://www.
mech.uwa.edu.au/mechatronics/index.htm
[3] M.K. Habib, “Mechatronics engineering: The evo-
lution, the needs and the challenges,” in Proc.
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