Sensors for Mechatronics

Citation

Jayaram, S. (2013), "Sensors for Mechatronics", Sensor Review, Vol. 33 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2013.08733baa.009

Sensors for Mechatronics

Article Type: Book reviews From: Sensor Review, Volume 33, Issue 2

Paul Regtien1st ed.Elsevier2012322 pp.$99.95ISBN: 9780123914972Web site: http://store.elsevier.com/Sensors-for-Mechatronics/Paul-Regtien/isbn-9780123914972/; www.oldenbourg-verlag.de/en/wissenschaftsverlag/wireless-sensor-networks/9783486707984

Mechatronics is defined as the interdisciplinary integration of mechanical engineering, control theory, computer science, and electronics to manage complexity, uncertainty, and autonomy in engineering systems design. Sensors play a critical role in information processing, and determining the state and the environment in which the system is operating. This information is vital for any control system to operate effectively. Currently available textbooks in the area of mechatronics and/or mechatronics design provide a good overview of the available types of sensors and sensor systems, but they lack in providing the physical insight of these sensors, such as hardware interfacing, and how can these sensors be combined to provide possible configurations for operating in a dynamic environment.

Elsevier Inc., recently published a new book, Sensors for Mechatronics, by Paul Regtien. Dr Regtien is a professor at University of Twente, The Netherlands. His approach to the discussion of sensory instrumentation has a blend of both electrical and mechanical focus that provides valuable resources for selecting/designing actuators for control systems. In a detailed manner, the author reviews the major types of transducers, presents a characterization of the state-of-the-art in sensing technology, and offers a view on current sensor research. Another strong point of the book is that the author is recognized as an expert in this field and has extensive industrial and teaching experience, thus providing a vital source to the students and practitioners in this field.

The book is broadly divided into two parts. Part 1 provides a detailed introduction on the literature, selection of various sensors for mechatronics applications, and sensor fundamentals. It presents information on the physical quantities, sensor classification and uncertainty aspects, including error reduction techniques (sensitivity, linearity, bandwidth).

The second part of the book presents different types of sensors (Chapters 4-9). Particular attention is given to sensors predominantly used in mechatronics and robotics applications. Simple mechanical and electrical sensors are discussed in Chapters 4 and 5, inductive/magnetic sensors are discussed in Chapter 6, optical sensors in Chapter 7, and piezoelectric and acoustic sensors in Chapters 8 and 9. Specific attention is given to the description of various types of sensors, on the basic configuration, interfacing and applications. Sensors of motion, displacement, rotation, acceleration, force, temperature sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, are included. Practical applications with insight on design procedures are clearly described for all the sensor types.

This book with the particular focus only on sensors is a much more user-friendly book. Students and practitioners will especially appreciate the book because it gives a detailed analysis on one important aspect of mechatronics systems. This book lacks some important aspects of sensor information processing techniques such as: Kalman Filtering, sensor fault detection procedures, etc. It would be highly beneficial if the book included chapter(s) on sensor combinations, like inertial measurement units (IMU), inertial navigation units (INU), and sensor fusion techniques. It would also be extremely useful to include some of the recent developments in sensors, such as MEMS sensors, polymer sensors and wireless sensor networks.

This new book by Paul Regtien is an excellent book for engineering students majoring in the area of mechatronics systems design as well as practitioners in the area. The book contains numerous informative figures and illustrations of various sensors and sensory systems useful for mechatronics systems design. These illustrations include but are not limited to: classifications, examples, schematics, performance behavior, and interfacing approaches. It is particularly recommended for students in a mechatronics engineering program and also senior design students in the area of aerospace, mechanical and electrical engineering. The book presents clear and precise theory, methodology and practical implementation aspects of sensor applications. Practicing engineers should also find this book a useful guide due to the large number of examples and good design advice.

Sanjay JayaramDepartment of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA