Page 12 - Handbook of Biomechatronics

Introduction 5

cellular groups in that organ. The device output, in the shape of an ECG sig-
nal, could be considered as an indicator of electrophysiological interactions at
the cellular level. It is also an indication of the manner by which electrical sig-
nals are propagated throughout various cell families leading to contractions
throughout the muscular structure and resulting in blood flow output. The
traditional engineering approach when facing a uniquely challenging envi-
ronment of this complexity, requires fundamental metamorphoses by sub-
scribing to a new mode or school of thought.
Biomechatronics is the discipline that aims to integrate mechatronic and
biological and in particular the human physiological systems. The potentials
offered by human body are so diverse that traditional approach to engineer-
ing solutions is routinely challenged. Cellular characteristics leading to the
functioning of different organs create situations where established engineer-
ing principles are easily overstretched. The traditional mechatronic educa-
tional programs may thus require an overhaul and other contributions to
make the new generations of mechatronic specialists fully versed with char-
acteristics of human body and biological systems in general. The new gen-
eration of multidisciplinary specialists will have to be prepared to help
biorobotic, biotechnology, and biomechatronic startups as well traditional
robotic and automation forums.
Hand Book of Biomechatronics aims at establishing the infrastructure for
this school of thought.

1 ENGINEERING APPROACH

The design of multiscale and multidisciplinary systems evolves around
an efficient integration of both biomechatronic and human body systems.
A successful integration requires an appreciation of how engineering prin-
ciples could be adopted to provide a mathematical description of function
and performance of anatomical and physiological systems. The human body
should in effect be viewed as a sophisticated engineering system. There are
numerous instances to support this argument.
Nonspecific low-back pain, which is experienced by many at some point
throughout their lives, with no tangible medical solution, could be viewed as
a structural problem with a biomechanical solution in the form of design
of exercise programs. Phenomena such asheatand mass transfer,fluid flow,
translational and rotational movements are areas where Newtonian and non-
Newtonian mechanics govern the functions of organs. Biomechanics