Mechanics and interactions

Mechatronics and Bio-design: A booming sector

Interactions between mechanics and other scientific disciplines can take many different forms. They are illustrated in the MI program by two rapidly expanding sectors with a promising future:

Mechatronicscombines mechanical, automatic, and electronic functions that are inseparable and complementary. The need for a systemic approach when designing complex, predominantly mechanical products is already imperative in industrial sectors such asautomotive, aeronautics, or any sector using highly automated production lines, and will be even more so in the future with the emergence ofservice robotics, first in the professional world and then in the domestic sphere.

The integrated design of purely mechanical parts, drive chains, and control algorithms for a mechatronic system is an essential approach for both today's robotic production cells and the machines that will perform cleaning, safety, or human assistance functions in the near future.

Bioconceptionbrings together mechanics and the living world, with an openness to human biomechanics. At a time when public health is becoming increasingly important, both in terms of political and societal choices and in terms of industrial applications and economic repercussions, it is crucial to integrate these issues into the very design of systems. It is no longer conceivable to continue developing industrial technologies and products without taking into account their potential impact on the environment. Furthermore, public health issues, in a context of increasing life expectancy and growing demand for quality of life in general, are placing increasing pressure ontechnological development in the medical sector.

The MI engineering student:

- has a command of the scientific and technical tools of materials, structures, and systems mechanics;

- Knows the main tools for optimizing complex systems;

- Proficient in computer-aided mechanical design (CAD/CAM) tools and numerical simulation software;

- Knows how to integrate various constraints (eco, organic, etc.) into product design.