Great potential in view. Developing the mechatronics sector, in particular within the automotive industry, is possible in Lower Normandy. However, although research laboratories and major firms are already involved, we still need to convince SMEs to invest.

So what is mechatronics? | Training in mechatronics

So what is mechatronics?
Mechatronics offers the possibility to design electromechanical systems which reunite, at system level, mechanics, electricity, control and embedded software. In simple and concrete terms: automated mechanical operations, controlled by sensors and guided by embedded software. For example, anti-pinch power window systems operate via a motor which is equipped with a security software system that programmes the motor’s interruption in the case of an obstacle. The motor is warned via a sensor that detects the abnormal working of control currents, resulting from the presence of an obstacle to closure.

Training in mechatronics
The University of Caen Lower Normandy, with support from the GREYC (ENSICAEN-UCBN-CNRS) and LMNO (Nicolas Oresme Mathematics Laboratory – CNRS-UCBN) laboratories, is launching a new education and training project in mechatronics via its engineering school, ESIX (http://esix.unicaen.fr/).

Electric windows, ABS, computer-assisted driving… are all the fruit of mechatronics. They connect mechanical and electronic features to control sensors and computer applications. “Mechatronics is a way to render mechanical systems intelligent,” summarises Christophe Dolabdjian, Professor at Caen University and in charge of the GREYC’s ⁽¹⁾ electronics research team.
The sector’s regional potential is vast, and results from a recent study conducted by Mov’eo on SMEs prove it. But it needs to be developed. “As we expected, the sector is not as mature here as it is in other regions. Lower Normandy’s motor vehicle equipment manufacturers are well ahead in the field and they often work with SMEs located outside the region,” explains El Houcine Ouarraou, Mov’eo’s project coordinator. “Most of our suppliers are not from within the local industrial fabric. Indeed, we have a highly specific demand which virtually no Lower Normandy-based SME can currently satisfy,” confirms François Breynaert, engine development manager for Arvin Méritor, an electric window motor manufacturer based in Thury-Harcourt (Calvados).

Collaborative projects

A total of 16 SMEs have been inventoried as having skills in the mechatronics field, in particular in heat-resisting superalloys and steel, in precision mechanics, power electronics and metrology. “We have also observed increased expertise among SMEs in the use of materials and their performance.” However, most of them have not yet integrated mechatronics in their activity, apart from a few rare exceptions such as Quertech Ingénierie and Hydequip Yet this sector is perceived by them as an opportunity waiting to be seized to help them move on from the somewhat morose economic climate that has reigned since 2007. “European standards on environmental issues, together with the need for car safety, are leading us towards ever-increasing control, that can be ensured by mechatronic systems. It’s a promising future market,” confirms Christophe Dolabdjian. Relying on commitment from prime contractors and SMEs to drive mechatronics towards a new impetus in Lower Normandy, the Mov’eo competitiveness cluster is looking to develop collaborative projects between SMEs, major companies and research laboratories. For, indeed, the latter boast a number of skills in the field. The GREYC is behind several projects conducted in the fields of magnetic non-destructive testing, sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), servosystems such as ABS, infrared cameras (”light man” project, certified by Mov’eo)… “We have already worked in partnership with Dassault, SNECMA, EADS, Acta Mesure, Faurecia… companies whose activity spans well beyond the automotive industry. Not forgetting our international involvement with the NASA, the DARPA…” adds Christophe Dolabdjian. François Breynaert is also happy to confirm closer collaboration with research laboratories. “Within the framework of our partnership with Mov’eo, we are working with the CRISMAT ⁽²⁾ towards the production of a magnetic specification bench for materials according to their mechanical constraints.” All that remains is to involve SMEs in these collaborative projects.

(1) Caen Research Group in Computer Science, Imaging, Control and Instrumentation (CNRS-ENSICAEN-UCBN)
(2) CRYStallography and MATerial Science Laboratory (CNRS-ENSICAEN-UCBN)

El Houcine Ouarraou
MOV’EO Competitiveness Cluster
Mobile : 06 37 88 58 30
Tel: 02 31 46 22 79

Christophe Dolabdjian
GREYC
Tel: 02 31 45 26 95

François Breynaert

Arvin Méritor

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