Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of mechanical engineering ("mecha" for mechanisms) , electronic engineering ("tronics" for electronics), and software engineering. The purpose of this interdisciplinary engineering field is the study of automata from an engineering perspective and serves the purposes of controlling advanced hybrid-systems such as production systems, synergy-drives, planetary-rovers, automotive subsystems such as anti-block system, spin-assist and every day equipment such as autofocus cameras, video, hard disks, cd-players, washing machines, lego-matics et.c.
It is centred on mechanics, electronics and computing which, combined, make possible the generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile systems.
The word "mechatronics" was first coined by a senior engineer of a Japanese company, Yaskawa, in 1969.
Bradley, Dawson et al, Mechatronics, Electronics in products and processes, Chapman and Hall Verlag, London, 1991.Reference