Embedded systems combine hardware and software to form components of larger machines. Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of precision engineering, electronics, and control systems in products and processes. The document discusses future career opportunities in embedded systems, mechatronics, and control, including in automotive and aerospace industries, medicine, robotics, manufacturing, and telecommunications. These fields will revolutionize technology by combining mechanics, electronics, software, and control systems to create smart systems like driverless cars, medical robots, and more. Broadly trained engineers will be needed to develop new technologies and take advantage of exciting career prospects.

1. Future Careers inFuture Careers in
Embedded Systems,Embedded Systems,
Mechatronics, and ControlMechatronics, and Control
Umar JamilUmar Jamil

2. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
• Embedded SystemsEmbedded Systems
A combination of hardware and software which together form a
component of a larger machine. An embedded system is designed to
run on its own without human intervention, and may be required to
respond to events in real time. Embedded systems are used in
industrial machines, automobiles, medical equipment, cameras,
household appliances, airplanes, vending machines, cellular phone,
PDA’s, toys and many other devices.
According to the National Research Council, Information technology (IT)
is on the verge of another revolution. The use of Embedded
[Networked] Systems throughout society could well dwarf previous
milestones in the information revolution. These systems of embedded
computers have the potential to change radically the way people
interact with their environment by linking together a range of devices
and sensors that will allow information to be collected, shared, and
processed in unprecedented ways”.

3. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
• MechatronicsMechatronics
Definition: Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of precision
mechanical engineering, electronic controls and systems
engineering in the design of products and processes
Mechatronics is “Putting Intelligence onto Physical Systems”.
Embedded sensors/actuators/processors are integral parts of
mechatronic systems
Controls
Mechanic
s
Sensors
Electronics
Software

4. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Let’s look at some examples of mechatronic systemsLet’s look at some examples of mechatronic systems
• Automotive SystemsAutomotive Systems
– Drive by WireDrive by Wire
– Camless EnginesCamless Engines
• RoboticsRobotics
– HumanoidsHumanoids
– Telemedicine/Remote SurgeryTelemedicine/Remote Surgery
– An Air Hockey Playing RobotAn Air Hockey Playing Robot

5. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Automotive Systems:Automotive Systems:
Technology in today’s vehicleTechnology in today’s vehicle
• Adaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
• Drive by wireDrive by wire
• XM Satellite RadioXM Satellite Radio
• Telematics (OnStar)Telematics (OnStar)
• Software drivetrainSoftware drivetrain
• Software body controlSoftware body control
• Rain-sensing WipersRain-sensing Wipers
• In-vehicle entertainmentIn-vehicle entertainment
• Generation II ABSGeneration II ABS
• Heads-up displayHeads-up display
• Night VisionNight Vision
• Back-up collision sensorBack-up collision sensor
• NavigationNavigation
• Tire Pressure MonitorTire Pressure Monitor

6. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
• Five major technology transitions in the auto industry in theFive major technology transitions in the auto industry in the
next five to ten years:next five to ten years:
1.1. Gasoline to hybrid to fuel cellGasoline to hybrid to fuel cell
2.2. Mechanical connection to “Drive-by-wire”Mechanical connection to “Drive-by-wire”
3.3. Proprietary electrical/hardware/software system toProprietary electrical/hardware/software system to
standardized “architectures”standardized “architectures”
4.4. Adoption and implementation of IT standards in theAdoption and implementation of IT standards in the
technology of the car (XML, Web Services, etc.)technology of the car (XML, Web Services, etc.)
5.5. ““On-demand” to “Always-on” vehicle connectivity to theOn-demand” to “Always-on” vehicle connectivity to the
InternetInternet

7. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Drive-by-Wire replaces mechanical connections – push rods,
rack & pinion, steering columns, overhead cams, cables – by
mechatronic connections – sensors, actuators, embedded
microprocessors, control software

8. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Drive-by-Wire Throttle Control

9. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control

10. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Second Example: Camless EnginesSecond Example: Camless Engines
Cams replaced by actuators and embedded controls
What is the advantage?

11. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
The Robot is, of course, the ultimate Mechatronic System
Robotics

12. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
•Applications of Robotics
•Telemedicine/Telesurgery
•Unmanned vehicles
•Humanoids
•Manufacturing automation

13. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
The CSL Air Hockey Playing Robot
•Combines Intelligence Control, Real-Time Vision
Sensing and Vision Processing, and Machine
Learning

14. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Examples are EverywhereExamples are Everywhere
Smart SkisSmart Skis

15. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Smart Systems of All KindsSmart Systems of All Kinds
• What smart systems will you invent?What smart systems will you invent?
??

16. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Summary
•The combination of mechanics, electronics, computer hardware
and software, and control systems will revolutionize technology
in the coming decades
•This revolution will create exciting career opportunities in:
•Automotive and Aerospace Industries
•Medicine and Biomedical Industries
•Robotics and Automated Manufacturing
•Computer Hardware and Software Industries
•Telecommunication Industries
•We need broadly educated engineers trained in multidisiplinary
systems engineering to take advantage of the exciting career
opportunities

17. Future Careers in Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, and Control
Good Luck !Good Luck !
Thank you for your attention !Thank you for your attention !