Mechatronic Approach to an Intelligent Machine: the Case of an Assistive Device

Today, one of the most important research fields is concerned to the Engineering Design Process, which is focused on designing better electro-mechanical systems with a low impact on the environment and a most efficient use of the energy. Currently the design process can take advantage of many computational-aided tools, which play a key role in the modern methods of optimization and reduce the cost of prototyping. This work presents the design process of an assitive device implementing a mechatronic approach. The mechanical design is carried out, as well as the electronic and control. The integration of all the modules of the system is done with the use of a graphical user interface to give easy access to manage and control the entire system.