MECHATRONICS DESIGN FOR PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT

Mechatronics and its development in the U.K. are discussed, with parti cular reference to applications-oriented research, The educational req uirements for mechatronics are analyzed, and a description is given of how they have been addressed in the U.K. Various examples are given o f professional and company issues which have arisen as a consequence o f mechatronic developments in the U.K. Examples of mechatronics resear ch from a number of academic and industrial groups and organizations i n the U.K. are provided, including some examples from the authors' own work, Finally, some limitations and future trends in the direction an d development of U.K. mechatronics are considered.