The Bowflex SelectTech 560® (ST560) is a “smart” dumbbell, a piece of exercise equipment with embedded sensors and processing to provide training feedback during your workout. The ST560 has an… Read More
WHY YOU NEED A GYRO TO MEASURE POSITION
MECHATRONICS AIDS IN EMBEDDED SYSTEM DESIGN
Over the last few years, a lot has been written about the future of computing as centered around “big data” algorithms running on servers in data centers. However, embedded systems… Read More
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER DESIGNING CUSTOM GEARS?
There are typically a number of considerations when choosing whether you want to use a stock gear or to design a custom gear. Two of the key considerations are cost… Read More
WHAT IS A MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM?
What is a Motion Control System? At the most fundamental level, a motion control system is any system that controls energy flow to generate mechanical motion with some desired properties…. Read More
WHAT IS THE MECH IN MECHATRONICS?
Mechatronics is not only about the motor, but rather getting the most out of the motors you have. To do that you have to step back and look at the… Read More
SELECTING THE CORRECT MOTOR TYPE AND SIZE
What is the correct (or best) motor to use in a motion control application? Given the myriad choices of type, size and performance it should not be surprising that there… Read More
FIVE TIPS FOR MECHATRONIC SYSTEM INTEGRATION
In part two of my three-part mechatronics discussion I provided tips for the design of high volume mechatronic systems. In this final entry of the series, I’ll discuss five additional tips… Read More
THREE TIPS FOR DESIGNING HIGH VOLUME MECHATRONIC PRODUCTS
As I discussed in part one of my three-part mechatronics discussion, there are many, many types of mechatronics systems in the world. In industry, the largest market segment that would clearly identify… Read More
WHAT IS MECHATRONICS?
The word “mechatronics” was first coined in Japan in the late 1960’s to refer to the synergistic blend of mechanics and electronics. The word has evolved to describe products and… Read More
Software: Design Complete
Hardware: Pre-production units for design verification
MFG. Readiness: CM schedule and budget, Unit build tracking