Page 11 - Handbook of Biomechatronics

4 Ahmed R. Arshi

Mechatronics as the name implies brings mechanical concepts, electronic
solutions, control strategies, and software technologies together under the
same roof. A growing volume of literature provides ample supply of details
addressing issues on each one of these fields. The subject aims at providing a
wide range of technical competencies necessary to face multidisciplinary
projects. Mechatronics mode of thought requires a systematic approach
and the key role is perhaps played by experience in integration of diverse
subsystems. A mechatronic specialist considers integration as an important
part of design stage. Interaction with other systems is where the design or
modeling teams define the outskirts of integration. In industrial or domestic
environments, mechatronic systems assist interactions through action and
response using actuator and control systems by processing information
gained from sensory constructs. Such systems rely on feedback in closed cir-
cuits and prediction in open control strategies. That is why the nature and
the characteristics of the environment with which the system is interacting
play a key role.
Biological systems on the other hand, are inherently multiscale and mul-
tidisciplinary. Biologically inspired mechatronic or biomimetic systems are
always eye-catching items on show at science and engineering exhibitions.
The most fascinating technologies are however, those that interact with
human body. Human body as a biological system is exceptionally sophisti-
cated and when efforts are made to decipher its functional principles it turns
out to be an awe-inspiring engineering system. One that imitating or sur-
passing its intricate potentials is exceedingly difficult. Today’s technological
advances are yet to grow to the level of sophistication exhibited by biological
and in particular, physiological systems.
Human body as a physiological system is susceptible to deviations from
physiological or normal states. Deviations in function better known as path-
ological states could be observed in individual organs or could even
adversely affect the entire system. Changes in physiological states commonly
encountered in human body are accompanied by an unending and ever-
increasing necessity for identification, categorization, diagnosis, or interven-
tion by engineering and in particular, mechatronic solutions. This amazing
multidisciplinary physiological environment is in fact quite suitable for the
implementation of mechatronic systems.
The simple but highly effective electrocardiogram or ECG test for exam-
ple, which is routinely performed in cardiological assessments provides a por-
trayal of the electro-mechanochemical interactions taking place in the heart.
A complete ECG test is a window to electrophysiological performance of all