1. Evolving needs for automated systems

1.1 Evolving needs

The last three decades have seen an exponential integration of electronics and information technology into systems engineering [2] . This has led to a considerable evolution in system functionalities, and even to the creation of new ones. Systems with such features are often referred to as mechatronic systems. These systems are characterized by the integration and interaction of different physical and technological domains [automation, mechanics, fluid energy (liquid and gas), electronics, electromechanics, optics, thermodynamics, etc.].

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