Future Careers in Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Embedded Systems,

Mechatronics, and ControlMechatronics, and Control

Mark W. Spong Mark W. Spong Coordinated Science Coordinated Science

Laboratory University of Laboratory University of Illinois Illinois

Urbana, IL 61801Urbana, IL 61801

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Embedded SystemsEmbedded SystemsA combination of hardware and software which together form a

component of a larger machine. An embedded system is designed to run on its own without human intervention, and may be required to respond to events in real time. Embedded systems are used in industrial machines, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras, household appliances, airplanes, vending machines, cellular phone, PDA’s, toys and many other devices.

According to the National Research Council, Information technology (IT) is on the verge of another revolution. The use of Embedded [Networked] Systems throughout society could well dwarf previous milestones in the information revolution. These systems of embedded computers have the potential to change radically the way people interact with their environment by linking together a range of devices and sensors that will allow information to be collected, shared, and processed in unprecedented ways”.

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

MechatronicsMechatronicsDefinition: Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of precision mechanical

engineering, electronic controls and systems engineering in the design of products and processes

Mechatronics is “Putting Intelligence onto Physical Systems”.

Embedded sensors/actuators/processors are integral parts of mechatronic systems

Controls

Mechanics

Sensors

Electronics

Software

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Let’s look at some examples of mechatronic systemsLet’s look at some examples of mechatronic systems

Automotive SystemsAutomotive Systems– Drive by WireDrive by Wire– Camless EnginesCamless Engines

RoboticsRobotics– Humanoids Humanoids – Telemedicine/Remote SurgeryTelemedicine/Remote Surgery– An Air Hockey Playing RobotAn Air Hockey Playing Robot

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Automotive Systems:Automotive Systems:Technology in today’s vehicleTechnology in today’s vehicle

Adaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlDrive by wireDrive by wireXM Satellite RadioXM Satellite RadioTelematics (OnStar)Telematics (OnStar)Software drivetrainSoftware drivetrainSoftware body controlSoftware body controlRain-sensing WipersRain-sensing Wipers

In-vehicle entertainmentIn-vehicle entertainment

Generation II ABSGeneration II ABS

Heads-up displayHeads-up display

Night VisionNight Vision

Back-up collision sensorBack-up collision sensor

NavigationNavigation

Tire Pressure MonitorTire Pressure Monitor

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Five major technology transitions in the auto industry in the Five major technology transitions in the auto industry in the next five to ten years:next five to ten years:

1.1. Gasoline to hybrid to fuel cellGasoline to hybrid to fuel cell

2.2. Mechanical connection to “Drive-by-wire”Mechanical connection to “Drive-by-wire”

3.3. Proprietary electrical/hardware/software system to Proprietary electrical/hardware/software system to standardized “architectures”standardized “architectures”

4.4. Adoption and implementation of IT standards in the Adoption and implementation of IT standards in the technology of the car (XML, Web Services, etc.)technology of the car (XML, Web Services, etc.)

5.5. ““On-demand” to “Always-on” vehicle connectivity to the On-demand” to “Always-on” vehicle connectivity to the InternetInternet

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Drive-by-Wire replaces mechanical connections – push rods, rack & pinion, steering columns, overhead cams, cables – by mechatronic connections – sensors, actuators, embedded microprocessors, control software

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Drive-by-Wire Throttle Control

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Second Example: Camless EnginesSecond Example: Camless Engines

Cams replaced by actuators and embedded controls

What is the advantage?

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

The Robot is, of course, the ultimate Mechatronic System

Robotics

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

•Applications of Robotics

•Telemedicine/Telesurgery

•Unmanned vehicles

•Humanoids

•Manufacturing automation

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

The CSL Air Hockey Playing Robot

•Combines Intelligence Control, Real-Time Vision Sensing and Vision Processing, and Machine Learning

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Examples are EverywhereExamples are EverywhereSmart SkisSmart Skis

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Smart Systems of All KindsSmart Systems of All Kinds

What smart systems will you invent?What smart systems will you invent?

??

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Summary

•The combination of mechanics, electronics, computer hardware and software, and control systems will revolutionize technology in the coming decades

•This revolution will create exciting career opportunities in:

•Automotive and Aerospace Industries

•Medicine and Biomedical Industries

•Robotics and Automated Manufacturing

•Computer Hardware and Software Industries

•Telecommunication Industries

•We need broadly educated engineers trained in multidisiplinary systems engineering to take advantage of the exciting career opportunities

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Good Luck !Good Luck !

Thank you for your attention !Thank you for your attention !