mechatronics

(engineering) A branch of engineering that incorporates the ideas of mechanical and electronic engineering into a whole, and, in particular, covers those areas of engineering concerned with the increasing integration of mechanical, electronic, and software engineering into a production process.

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(MECHAnics elecTRONICS) The combination of mechanical and electronic systems. Embracing robotics, industrial control systems and human interfaces in numerous disciplines, mechatronics is a major step beyond "electromechanical," in which only electricity is required. Mechatronic systems employ microprocessors and software as well as special-purpose electronics. The subhead of CMP's Mechatropolis Web site (www.mechatropolis.com) says "where mechanical and electronic engineering connect." See electromechanical.

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