The development of a controller for mechatronics equipment

This paper describes the developmental history of mechatronics equipment controllers especially within Yaskawa Electric. First, the philosophy and definition of the word ''mechatronics'' are introduced. Then a discussion is presented about mechatronics equipment controllers in which they mean a numerical control (NC) system for machine tools and industrial robots. The NC system covers three fields of technology: controller hardware, software, and an actuator control system (servosystem). Second, the recent 20-year progress of each item is discussed. Finally, the necessary performance and functions for future NC systems are outlined.