Mechatronics, or mechatronic engineering combines mechanical and electrical engineering to design innovative products and systems. These systems must rely on mechanical and electrical components working together in harmony.

The list includes DVD disc drives, anti-lock braking systems, manufacturing, electric motors and clothes dryers, among others. These devices require electronic controls and feedback systems to interact seamlessly with their mechanical design.

Motor control systems operate by using a programmable logic controller or PLC. This system allows advanced programming and algorithms to dictate a motor’s behavior. Therefore, they can be programmed to control multiple motors or VFDs. A robotic arm or a large factory machine is a good example of this.

In addition, PLCs can accept inputs from a wide range of sensors and switches. This allows precise feedback from the machine it controls. Furthermore, it executes built-in software.

The smallest high-precision motors, DC motors, found in computer hard drives and DVD readers. Due to their miniaturization, they can be easily controlled by computer software to perform nearly any imaginable task. A battery powered quad-rotor drone offers us a prime example of DC motor control. Accelerometers and gyroscopes feeding data into a computer controller adjust the speed of each motor independently to keep the drone flying level.

A simple technology that combines electric motors with feedback control, known as servomechanisms, provides valuable information. They utilize a small electric motor, gearboxes, and a potentiometer to produce accurate position feedback to the motor itself. This ensures that the motor has moved to the correct position. Thus, precise movement control of a motor is possible. Applications of servos include RC car steering, fly-by-wire systems in aircraft, robotics, and industrial control valves.

Servos communicate with computer systems, allowing them to be part of larger mechatronic systems, so they can be controlled by PLCs and computer algorithms.

The field of mechatronics constantly evolves. Therefore, as it does, it incorporates cutting edge computer software and mechanical design, bringing to life new inventions. These breakthroughs make modern-day living much easier and more fun.

If you live in a safe neighborhood, or if you have a dog, you may not feel the need for a security system. But nobody is immune it burglary or vandalism. Typically when a home invasion occurs, the victims “never thought something like this” would happen to them. To best protect your valuables—and more importantly, your family—you should invest in a quality home security system. Is it really necessary though?

A Rutgers study found that as the number of home security systems increase in any given area, the number of residential burglaries decreased, even for people who didn’t have their own security system! Installing a security system yourself could deter criminals from attempting to rob you or your neighbors, making your neighborhood safer overall.

Most modern security systems allow you to remotely monitor what’s happening in your home while you’re away. You may be able to monitor what happens using cameras installed throughout your home. Additionally, you can use these systems to control your thermostat, door locks, lights, and more.

This may be one of the most beneficial part of installing a home security system. Having such a system in your home can lower your homeowner’s insurance by as much as 20%. In addition to protecting your valuables, this makes a home security system a worthwhile and money-saving investment.

Not only will your home and valuables be well protected, but having an efficient home security system will give you confidence that your home has extra defense against potential intruders. Most home owners would argue that peace of mind and sense of security may be the most important reason for anyone to invest in a quality home security system.

This post is the second in a series on energy-efficient lighting. We’re reviewing all kinds of spaces in homes and businesses to help you save energy.

Here are a few simple suggestions to save energy and hard-earned cash with your restaurant lights: 

Update Your Light Bulbs

Still using standard incandescent light bulbs? The fastest, simplest thing you can do to save energy is to update them. Whether they’re the ubiquitous A19 lamps, reflector lamps for your track lights, chandelier light bulbs in hanging fixtures, or decorative globe lights in the bathroom, you have tons of new energy-efficient options:

When you're in the market for a new house, every little detail counts. If you overlook an important flaw, you could be in for major repair or overhaul bills in your would-be dream home. Fortunately, you can avoid unexpected costs with some savvy when it comes to choosing your home inspector. Your house is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make, so it's worth paying for a quality inspector to ensure that a home's systems are in good shape before committing to buy.

An Expensive Proposition

Even when a house's interior and exterior look great, there could be problems lurking within the walls. The HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems are invisible to the average consumer, but they play an essential role in your quality of living – not to mention your pocketbook.

There could be problems with sewer lines, decaying ducts or outdated electrical products like knob-and-tube wiring – issues that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to remedy. A home inspector is your best friend when it comes to rooting out these hidden costs.

Insist on the Best

You don't want to rely on just anyone when it comes to something this important, so follow these tips to make sure you get the most from your home inspector:

To Buy or not to Buy

When an inspection turns up major problems, you can bring them to the seller and ask them to do the repair work, or at least cover part of the cost. Or, if an issue is serious enough, you could walk away from the sale altogether.

Once you take the plunge and make the purchase, don't forget to call an expert home services professional to make follow-up inspections every few years so you can spot any future problems before they develop.