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

Mechanic
s

Electronic
s
Control
s

Sensors

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 !