Bespoke mechatronics – From modular building blocks
The development and application of microsystems exploiting mechatronics has skyrocketed in recent decades. However, the miniaturised devices are typically tailor-made in highly specialised environments at high cost. Scientists launched the EU-funded project MECHACELL (Development of a self sufficient modular mechatronic device and its proof of concept with a workpiece positioning study) to produce a mechatronic device from individual modules as a case study in mass-produced flexible and modular mechatronic micro-cells. Putting together modularised MechaCells in more complicated configurations will have major impact on the speed and cost of development and on final product quality. The availability of modular micro-cells will also enable researchers to spend more time on developing new applications for the modules rather than on developing innumerable devices. MechaCell modules are self-sufficient with on-board distributed energy generation and on-board distributed intelligence. All have a micro-power plant and storage unit, micro-sensors and actuators, and a micro-computer all connected to a cell bus handling power and communication among cell components. The hardware and software are housed in an outer shell with multiple contacts for electrical and mechanical connections among modules or MechaCells. In addition, simulation models of the MechaCell and pack of MechaCells will be a valuable contribution to future development efforts. The prototype positioning device has three actuators for translational motion in the x-y plane and rotational motion about the axis of the device itself via a novel steering and locomotion mechanism. Further, a micro-accelerometer and a pressure sensor measure the load and communicate with other MechaCells and the supervisory controller via a wireless connection. The test bed has an integrated high-definition camera that monitors the position of each MechaCell and the workpiece and communicates the information to all modules in the pack in real time. As specialised devices for biomedical, military, automotive and manufacturing applications continue to shrink in size, the market potential for MECHACELL technology continues to grow. So does its likely impact on the EU economy and on the many small and medium-sized enterprises with limited research and development budgets currently working on tailor-made mechatronic devices.