AFNOR Proposes New Field of Technical Activity on Mechatronics
August 25, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) submitted a proposal to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for a new field of technical activity on mechatronics.
Mechatronics, according to AFNOR, is an approach aimed at the synergistic integration of mechanics, electronics, control theory and computer science within product design and manufacturing.
This integration is meant to improve and/or optimize the functionality of mechanical products, experts said.
The proposed technical activity will address the standardization of mechatronics.
According to AFNOR, this standardization will allow stakeholders to share knowledge and research results, increase functionality, reduce costs and minimize environmental impact of mechatronic solutions.
The 2006 European mechatronics market was estimated at €32 billion, with a growth rate of 30% on a period of four years, the authors wrote. For comparison, the electrical and electronic, mechanical engineering and metalworking sectors in Europe accounted for approximately €1,885 billion in 2008.
As the U.S. member body to ISO, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) invites the public to submit comments on the proposal by Sept. 25, 2009.
AFNOR's proposal, ISO/TS/P 209 - Mechatronics is available from ANSI.
Source: American National Standards Institute (ANSI).