Since its inception, Mechatronics has envisioned the realization of the Digital Vehicle (DV).  DV includes four distinct but interrelated areas of computing technologies:

            MDA – Mechanical Design Automation (KBE, CAD, CAM, CAE, Data Management)

            EDA – Electrical Design Automation (KBE, CAD CAM, CAE, Data Management)

            eDA – e-Engineering Design Automation (includes IT side of KBE, CAD, CAM, CAE,

                        Date Management)

            MaDA – Manufacturing Design Automation (KBE, CAD, CAM, CAE,

                        Data Management)

The first idea that Mechatronics implemented in the auto industry involved the establishment of CAE technology in relation to electrical and electromechanical components, subsystems and the total system.  During implementation, several different concepts and methodologies were also established.  These concepts include the establishment of WHCV (Wire Harness Centric View).  This was a first for the auto industry and Mechatronics was recognized and awarded.

The concept of WHCV enables Mechatronics to develop the System Element Identification Process in the auto industry which contains many elements such as generic models, specific models, analytical development, experimental results, resource allocation and data management.  In addition, tools such as ETOPS (EDGS to PowerView and Saber) and XSCT (short circuit analysis tool) were developed.  The concepts of mechatronics were implemented throughout the execution of WHCV and electromechanical components such as switches, wires, fuses, relays, fuse boxes and many other electromechanical modules and subsystems were modeled and simulated.

Mechatronics has been further involved in the development and execution of many other mechatronics-oriented projects.  The list includes projects such as CBT (CAE Based Testing), which directly utilizes electromechanical simulation data in manufacturing processes.  Other projects include the development of VDS (Virtual Driving System), which utilizes VHDL and AIMS technologies in developing a driving system, ISG (Integrated Starter Generator), embedded system and many other mechatronics-related projects.

Recently, Mechatronics, Inc. has developed a product for the Wire Harness KBE (WH_KBE) process.  A patent is pending for this exciting product.  The process will automate the data synchronization between ECAD and MCAD, resulting in a tremendous cost and time savings.  By eliminating the need for communication between several developers, which can add error to the overall process, quality is enhanced.