M²VIP ‐ mechatronics walking and swimming down under

Abstract

Mechatronics, the art of combining robotics, computer control, and electronics, was the topic at the recent annual M 2 VIP conference (mechatronics and machine vision in practice) held at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia, 23‐25 September. This was the fourth conference in the series which originated in Toowoomba in 1994, followed by Hong Kong in 1995 and Portugal in 1996. Papers from all around the globe were presented showing varied aspects of research ranging from mechatronic education, sensor design, mobile legged robots, self learning systems, robots in manufacturing, through to novel applications of mechatronics in sport. Some of the more memorable articles for the author are highlighted including mechatronic education, sport mechatronic systems, almost‐human walking robots, and autonomous underwater surveillance submarines.