Page 203 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

Time in
1000’s
of hours
5
3 4 Mechatronics
2
1

1 2 3 4 5 Mean
Mean time before failure

machines for this test. Conditions of the test should be as much like real
life as possible.
With a large system, there are many components, any of which might
malfunction. In general, the more complex the system, the shorter is the
MTBF, if all other factors are held constant. This does not, of course,
mean that simple systems are better than sophisticated ones. Therefore,
for robots and computers, the MTBF is not a direct or overall indicator of
the quality of the machine.
See also QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL.

MECHATRONICS
Mechatronics is a term that first appeared in Japan. It is a combination of
the words “mechanics” and “electronics,” and refers to the technology
used in robotics. The term has the same literal meaning as electro-
mechanics. In Japan, mechatronics became synonymous with industrial
and economic power during the latter half of the twentieth century.
After World War II, the Japanese adopted the motto,“Catch and sur-
pass the West.” They hoped to do this by hard work, innovation, and
devotion to quality: the things that have made the United States pros-
perous. Japan exports mechatronic equipment today. Sometimes it is
called “Japan, Inc.”

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