Robotics is one area where mechatronics is required and simulation is the norm.
Often, multiple robots will take part in an event like RoboCup, where you might see Aldebaran
Robotics’ Nao, a small humanoid robot.
Nao plays for real, but it also shows up
in the virtual world of Microsoft Robotics
Developer Studio (MRDS). Unlike most
simulation environments, MRDS is specifically
designed for robots. Entire robotic
soccer games can be played in simulation,
mixing the game realm with serious system
design.
The 23-in. high Nao is a sophisticated
little fellow with voice synthesis and a
digital camera crammed into its small
head. It has a Wi-Fi-enabled processor
that runs Linux and Gotsai’s Urbi. It also
has enough processing power to handle
voice recognition as well as control the 25
joints found around its body.
Environments like MRDS are usually
more limited on the hardware design side
since it tends to be an application development
tool more than a CAD design
tool. Still, the ease of use available with
a single environment is the goal of CAD/
programming combinations such as the
LabVIEW and SolidWorks pairing.
See Associated Figure