an invitation to ifac, world congress on automatic control. i guess my topic will be mechatronic systems. after working on the history on automation, i want to hear something about the future.

Many technical processes and products in the area of mechanical and electrical engineering show an increasing integration of mechanics with electronics and information processing. This integration is between the components (hardware) and the information-driven functions (software), resulting in integrated systems called mechatronic systems. Their development involves finding an optimal balance between the basic mechanical structure, sensor and actuator implementation, automatic digital information processing and overall control, and this synergy results in innovative solutions.

some focal points: active bearings, mems, motion and vibration control, smart structures, and education for mechatronic systems.

also wondering, if their analysis of the social impact of control and automation differs from the concerns people from the triple revolution articulated in the early 60ties.