Computer support for mechatronic control system design

This paper discusses the demands for proper computer aided control system design tools for mechatronic systems and identifies a number of tasks in this design process. It puts the contributions to the session in perspective and describes how the papers in this session (partly) contribute to a solution. Some issues not addressed in the session are discussed and the current state-of-the-art as perceived by us is described. Real mechatronic design, involving input from specialists from varying disciplines requires that the system can be represented in multiple views, including a view of the mechanical construction, time domain behavior, frequency characteristics etceteras. Several tools are already available but there are still substantial shortcomings. The paper gives indications about the developments needed to come to better design tools in the future.