Build mechatronic systems by connecting sensing, computation, actuation, and control.
Mechatronics: A Practical, Project-Based Introduction is a modern engineering textbook for students, self-learners, technicians, makers, and early-career engineers who want to understand how mechanical systems, electronics, embedded computing, and feedback control work together in real machines.
Instead of treating sensors, motors, controllers, and software as isolated topics, the book develops them as parts of one complete engineering system. Concepts move from physical behaviour and measurement to modeling, implementation, testing, troubleshooting, and verification.
Inside you will learn how to:
- Select and apply sensors and transducers for position, speed, temperature, force, proximity, and motion.
- Condition signals, acquire data, and interpret measurement error, resolution, noise, and calibration.
- Size and drive DC motors, servos, steppers, solenoids, and representative pneumatic and hydraulic actuators.
- Program Arduino-class controllers and use Raspberry Pi with Python for supervisory control and data logging.
- Model dynamic systems and implement practical feedback, PI, and PID control.
- Work with PLCs, industrial automation, MQTT, IoT, edge computing, digital twins, and ROS 2 foundations.
- Diagnose interface, timing, power, sensing, actuation, software, and integration faults using evidence.
- Integrate the complete design through an autonomous material-sorting and handling capstone project.
Every problem is fully worked. Calculations show assumptions, governing relationships, units, intermediate steps, results, and engineering interpretation so independent learners can check not only the answer, but the reasoning behind it.
Designed for classroom use and serious self-study, this book provides the bridge from first principles to practical mechatronic system design.
