Mechatronics on Campus

Mediocrity in the Design Process: Marinara sauce gone wrong.

Stefan Wolpert
Latest blog Post: The tragedy of over-compromise can make products ill-equipped. When will the design process become more fluid in the introduction of diversified products? Stefan discusses an example and relates it to technology.

Posted in design, engineering methods, product design, user-centric design, design process, consumer products, robotics, mechatronic design, end user | 11.27.2008

Systems Engineering is not Mechatronics

Stefan Wolpert
Latest blog Post: What's the difference between mechatronics and systems engineering?  Stefan explores the meaning of systems engineering through his experiences and providing his opinions and observations.

Posted in control systems, engineering methods, mechanical systems, systems engineering, electronic systems | 10.01.2008

Mechatronics Improves fMRI Scans

Stefan Wolpert
Latest blog Post: Functional MRI scans (fMRI) are a type of brain activity scan where an image of brain activity, based on blood flow, is captured every couple seconds.This single degree of freedom robot, more similar to an actuator, can provide resistance, measure a patient's force, or guide a patient's hand in a certain way. -- 09.04.08

Posted in medical, computers/software, control systems, engineering methods, mechanical systems, electronic systems, automation, robotics | 09.04.2008

A Medical Mechatronic Marvel, Heavy Ions Curing Cancer at Germany's GSI

Stefan Wolpert
Latest Blog Post: The Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung mbH (GSI) is a particle accelerator facility in Germany where ions are accelerated up to 90 percent the speed of light. -- 08.19.08

Posted in medical, engineering methods, gsi, system type, unilac, carbon nuclei treatment, excellence initiative, robotics, actuators, germany, control systems, medical robotics, industry/application, automation, ion beam, sensors and signal conditioners | 08.19.2008

Fixing Code and Embedded Hardware the Easy Way

You've worked all day on implementing a complicated function and it's time to see whether it works. You compile the C++ code and program the memory on the microcontroller.  Dead. Nothing happens. What to do? -- 07.14.08

Posted in programmable controllers, mechanical systems, c language, careers, electronic systems, mems, microprocessors, robotics, computers/software, embedded controllers, aerospace/defense, control systems, c++, automation, consumer products | 07.14.2008

Mechatronics Intern: Kantana Robotic Arm by Neuronics AG

Stefan Wolpert
Latest Blog Post:  As an intern at Germany's Kaiserslautern Technical University (Technische Universität Kaiserslautern), Wolpert talks about developing control algorithms for a robotic arm in the Institute of Control Systems. -- 06.18.08

Posted in programmable controllers, engineering methods, careers, controls design software, sensors/encoders, automation, microprocessors, robotics, embedded controllers, control software/operating system | 06.18.2008

War Means Military Robotic Innovation

Stefan Wolpert
Latest Blog Post: Much of the USA's history reflects great technological advances during times of duress like war. Developing the most mechatronic device to fight, investigate, cover rough terrain and survive explosions is a big deal these days. Stefan takes a look at recent groundbreaking tools. -- 04.28.08

Posted in control systems, industry/application, engineering methods, mechanical systems, electronic systems, automation, robotics, computers/software, aerospace/defense | 04.28.2008

Engineering Needs a Better Image

Stefan Wolpert
Latest Blog Post: Why are engineers not as well-regarded as scientists? doctors? CEOs? Lawyers? The schooling isn't any easier, that's for sure. Is it image? -- 4.02.08

Posted in mechatronics, campus, engineering | 04.02.2008

Google Lunar X PRIZE draws in higher education

Stefan Wolpert
Latest Blog Post:  A rocket, lander and rover destined for the moon is the ultimate mechatronic system. Will universities become the platform for space research and exploration? Will NASA remain top dog?  Or will the Google Lunar X PRIZE change space exploration? -- 03.06.08

Posted in nasa, space exploration, private funding, systems engineering, google lunar x prize, universites | 03.06.2008

Finding System Engineers for Mechatronic Product Development

Stefan Wolpert
Latest Blog Post: Where should engineers learn to integrate a multidisciplinary approach? Stefan Wolpert makes his case on why Mechatronic processes should be explored in the classroom. -- 02.21.08

Posted in aberdeen group, system engineers, mechatronic degrees, mechatronics | 02.21.2008