// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Mechanical Engineering
The branch of engineering that deals with the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Mechanical engineering is an engineering discipline applying principles of physics and materials science for the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems, encompassing areas like robotics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics across diverse industries.
BACKGROUND
Manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of the secondary sector of the economy. The term may refer to a range of human activity, from handicraft to high-tech, but it is most commonly applied to industrial design, in which raw materials from the primary sector are transformed into finished goods on a large scale. Such goods may be sold to other manufacturers for the production of other more complex products, or distributed via the tertiary sector to end users and consumers.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Machine engineering
- Industrial mechanics
- Applied mechanics
- Mechatronics (related)
USAGE NOTE
A foundational engineering discipline crucial for innovation across many industries, from automotive to aerospace.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Mechanical Engineering.
A global technology powerhouse, Siemens develops cutting-edge mechanical engineering solutions for manufacturing, including advanced automation, industrial software (PLM, MES), digital twin technology, and smart factory integration, crucial for Industry 5.0.
A leader in robotics, power, and automation technologies, ABB's mechanical engineering expertise drives the development of advanced industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and integrated automation solutions for manufacturing processes, focusing on efficiency and human-robot interaction.
Dassault Systèmes provides world-leading 3D design software (e.g., CATIA, SOLIDWORKS) and simulation tools (SIMULIA) that are indispensable for mechanical engineers in designing, simulating, and optimizing complex products and manufacturing systems, enabling virtual twins for Industry 5.0.
FANUC is a global leader in industrial robots, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) systems, and factory automation. Their mechanical engineering prowess is fundamental to the precision, speed, and reliability of their robotic manipulators and machine tools used in advanced manufacturing.
Bosch Rexroth specializes in drive and control technologies, industrial hydraulics, linear motion technology, and assembly technology. Their solutions are integral to high-performance machinery and intelligent manufacturing systems, underpinning the mechanical components of Industry 5.0 automation.
GE Additive focuses on developing and deploying advanced additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies and materials for industrial applications. Their work in mechanical engineering includes designing for additive, material science, and optimizing production processes for complex geometries.
KUKA is a leading global supplier of intelligent automation solutions, including industrial robots, cobots, and automated manufacturing systems. Mechanical engineering is central to their robot design, kinematics, and the integration of these systems into highly flexible and efficient production lines.
Through various institutes (e.g., Fraunhofer IPA, IPT, IWU), Fraunhofer conducts applied research in mechanical engineering for manufacturing, including advanced robotics, additive manufacturing, production systems, and smart factory technologies, driving innovations for Industry 5.0.