Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Mark W. Spong Coordinated Science Laboratory University of Illinois Urbana, IL 61801

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Embedded Systems
A 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, PDAs, 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

Mechatronics
Definition: 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

Mechanics Controls Sensors

Electronics

Software

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Lets look at some examples of mechatronic systems Automotive Systems Drive by Wire Camless Engines Robotics Humanoids Telemedicine/Remote Surgery An Air Hockey Playing Robot

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Automotive Systems: Technology in todays vehicle

Adaptive Cruise Control Drive by wire XM Satellite Radio Telematics (OnStar) Software drivetrain Software body control Rain-sensing Wipers

In-vehicle entertainment Generation II ABS Heads-up display Night Vision Back-up collision sensor Navigation Tire Pressure Monitor

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

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

1. Gasoline to hybrid to fuel cell 2. Mechanical connection to Drive-by-wire 3. Proprietary electrical/hardware/software system to standardized architectures 4. Adoption and implementation of IT standards in the technology of the car (XML, Web Services, etc.) 5. On-demand to Always-on vehicle connectivity to the Internet

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 Engines

Cams replaced by actuators and embedded controls What is the advantage?

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Robotics
The Robot is, of course, the ultimate Mechatronic System

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 Everywhere Smart Skis

Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

Smart Systems of All Kinds

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 ! Thank you for your attention !