Mechatronics and the Design of Intelligent Machines and Systems / Edition 1

by David Allan Bradley, Derek Seward, David Dawson, Stuart Burge

Overview

Mechatronics as a discipline has an ever growing impact on engineering and engineering education as a defining approach to the design, development, and operation of an increasingly wide range of engineering systems. The increasing scope and complexity of mechatronic systems means that their design and development now involve not only the technical aspects of its core disciplines, but also aspects of organization, training, and management.

Mechatronics and the Design of Intelligent Machines and Systems reflects the significant areas of development in mechatronics and focuses on the higher-level approaches needed to support the design and implementation of mechatronic systems. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize the importance of systems integration. Each chapter deals with a particular aspect of the design and development process, from the specification of the system to software design and from the human-machine interface to the requirements for safe operation and effective manufacture.

Notable among this text's many features is the use of a running case study-the autonomous and robotic excavator LUCIE-to illustrate points made in various chapters. This, combined with the authors' clear prose, systematic organization, and generous use of examples and illustrations provides students with a firm understanding of mechatronics as a discipline, some of the problems encountered in its various areas, and the developing techniques used to solve those problems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780748754434
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/17/2000
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	348
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

David Allan Bradley, Derek Seward, David Dawson, Stuart Burge

Table of Contents

Of Machines and Mechatronics. Mechatronics and Intelligent Systems. A Mechatronic Design Process. Requirements Interpretation for Mechatronic Systems. Artificial Intelligence. Neural Networks and Fuzzy Systems. Software. User Interfaces. System Safety. Manufacturing Technology. Future Developments in Mechatronics. Case Studies in Mechatronics. Bibliography. Index.

Editorial Reviews

Focuses on higher level approaches needed to support the design and development of mechatronic systems. Each chapter deals with a particular aspect of the design and development process, from specification of the system and software design to the human-machine interface and the requirements for safe operation and effective manufacture. Specific topics include machine intelligence and its role in modern mechatronic systems, the mechatronic design process, artificial intelligence, and applications of neural networks. An ongoing case study of a robotic excavator demonstrates theory. Bradley holds the Chair of Mechatronic Systems at Abertay University, UK. Distributed by ISBS. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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