Automotive mechatronics

A large share of automotive innovations consists of significant improvements in formerly pure mechanical systems which are made possible using integrated electronics together with complex information processing. Such mechatronic systems require a concurrent design of mechanical, electronical, and information processing sub-systems in order to reach the cost requirements of the automotive industry. The motivation for the use of mechatronics is discussed, as well as the most important technological challenges of the mechatronical approach. Mechatronical solutions for different automotive applications are presented. The driving factors for future development of mechatronics in the automotive sector are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]