The integration of electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, control and computer engineering – mechatronics – lies at the heart of innumerable gadgets, processes and technology that make modern life possible. From auto-focus cameras to car engine management systems and from state-of-the-art robots to the humble washing machine, mechatronics has a hand in them all. This book presents a clear and comprehensive introduction to the area. Practical and applied, it helps you to acquire the mix of skills you will need to comprehend and design mechatronic systems. It also goes much deeper, explaining the very philosophy of Mechatronics and, in so doing, provides you with a frame of understanding to develop a truly interdisciplinary and integrated approach to engineering.New in this edition:Inclusion of material on the Arduino open-source electronic prototyping platform and the Arduino programming languageIncludes more in-depth discussion of op-amps, mechanisms and motor selection to improve clarity and extend applications.A section on robotic systemsTable of Contents:1. Introducing mechatronics2. Sensors and transducers3. Signal conditioning4. Digital signals5. Digital logic6. Data presentation systems7. Pneumatic and hydraulic actuation systems8. Mechanical actuation systems9. Electrical actuation systems10. Microprocessors and microcontrollers11. Assembly language12. C language13. Input/output systems14. Programmable logic controllers15. Communication systems16. Fault finding17. Basic system models18. System models19. Dynamic responses of systems20. System transfer functions21. Frequency response22. Closed-loop controllers23. Artificial intelligence24. Mechatronics systems.