Sensors in, for and by mechatronics: a symbiosis Introduction

摘要

Sensors are central to mechatronic systems. This is so because mechatronic systems are esseritiaiIy dependent onudinformation. Some of this inforniation is provided a priori, via programming of embedded microprocessors, but most is acquired during operation via sensory subsystems. Indeed the functioning of most mechatronic systems is critically dependent on these subsystems. (Machine vision subsystems are, of course, fundamentally sensors and can provide very rich information input.) But the interrelation of mechatronics and sensor technology is wider than this.udSensory subsystems within mechatronic systems - and vice versa - can fulfill a range of purposes: these may be grouped as follows:udSensors embedded within mechatronic systems.udSensing capabilities enhanced by mechatronics.udThe use of mechatronics to create 'a sensor'.