Mechamatronics: An automotive perspective

The automobile today is primarily a mechanical system focused on the conversion of energy from a variety of forms into mechanical effort and desired motion. Consequently, automobile designers and engineers have traditionally taken mechanically-oriented approaches to solving problems or enhancing the performance and functionality of the automobile. Unfortunately, this way of looking at problems severely limits the options available and has usually led to bulky, massive, inflexible and expensive solutions. Expanding the solution domain beyond the purview of traditional mechanical approaches can enhance the realization of effective solutions. This paper introduces the notion that "Mechamatronics," the integration of mechanical systems, smart materials and electronics, offers new degrees of freedom for achieving this goal.