How Are Mechatronics and Industrial Automation Different

Both mechatronics and industrial automation have important roles in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. While mechatronics and industrial automation are two fields that share certain similarities, they have many distinct differences as well. This blog will explain both of them and how they benefit the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

Mechatronics refers to the convergence of mechanical engineering with electronics and electrical circuits, as well as control and software engineering. Many people also consider telecommunications to be a part of mechatronics, as well as certain manufacturing applications. In its early stages, mechatronics was the study of mechanical and electrical interactions. It has since evolved to include the study of how these electromechanical interactions affect other elements and equipment. Some of that equipment is related to industrial automation tools such as robots.

Professionals who study mechatronics often engineer the automated systems used in manufacturing plants. Despite this, a mechatronics system is not necessarily specific to industrial automation. For instance, if a digital thermostat features a feedback sensor and microprocessors, it is considered a mechatronics system. That same thermostat may not have any automated elements, and would therefore not be associated with industrial automation. During the design process of a product, mechatronics professionals prioritize system-based thinking and interdisciplinary problem solving. System-based thinking means the operator adopts a ‘big picture’ view to understand how each individual part relates to the others and affects the system as a whole.

Mechatronics has many benefits for manufacturing. For one, the design of mechatronics takes customer or project requirements into account. Additionally, mechatronics seeks out cross-functional issues that could eventually cause performance problems unless dealt with early on. Furthermore, mechatronics aims to optimize high functionality and efficiency, two qualities that promote progress in manufacturing and other industries.

Industrial automation refers to the use of technology to achieve tasks with minimal human intervention. When discussing industrial automation, people often bring up a four-tier hierarchy. At the bottom is the field level, comprising equipment like sensors and actuators. The sensors collect data such as temperature and speed while the actuators receive electrical and pneumatic signals and convert them into actions. The second segment is the control level, containing various automation controls such as programmable logic controllers. These are frequently used in industrial settings where controls allow users to program a machine and automate how it operates.

The third tier is the supervisory level. This level includes equipment like human-machine interfaces and tools that can set production targets and trigger startup and shutdown commands. The final level is called the enterprise level. This pertains to the entire automation system with focus in commercial aspects such as sales and orders rather than technical aspects. Industrial automation has a broad range of benefits for manufacturing.

Modern advancements of industrial automation have focused on the combination of computers and physical components to achieve desired results and benefits such as increased output and improved scalability. Additionally, because industrial automation minimizes or eliminates human involvement, it cuts down on issues related to user error and fatigue. As the demand for manufacturing facilities continues to increase, industrial automation will become more and more relevant.

Despite the differences between mechatronics and industrial equipment, both of them have proven to positively impact the manufacturing sector. As the sector becomes more advanced and reliant on specialized machines, the contributions of mechatronics and industrial automation equipment will eventually be irreplaceable.

At ASAP Industrials, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of industrial automation equipment and deliver them with short lead times and competitive prices. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asapindustrials.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780. Our team of dedicated account managers is standing by and will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less.