About Mechatronics, Informatics and Control Group

Mechatronics, Informatics and Control Group (MICG) is concerned with the application of information and computer technology in mechanical engineering.

Who we are

MICG incorporates the Mechatronics Forum, which has been actively promoting mechatronics internationally for the past 20 years. It also supports the UK Automatic Control Council (UKACC), which is the national representative for the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC).

What we do

Promote and develop this highly important technical area which underpins modern mechanical engineering in many sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing, rail and maritime.
Aim to equip engineering professionals with the highest standards of technical knowledge on the subject, and organise events to encourage sharing of best practice and new technology.

Industries or disciplines covered

Mechatronics - the engineering discipline of integrating technologies from mechanical engineering, electronics, and computing to create more intelligent machines.
Informatics - the science of processing data for storage and retrieval. The successful design of complex systems is highly dependent on how design information is represented, managed and retrieved.
Control engineering - the design of machine controllers, based on an understanding of dynamic characteristics, so that the machine will behave in a desirable way.

Objectives

Formulate and recommend policy for the Institution
Provide a focus for all relevant subject matters within the Institution and hence provide a means by which all Divisions and Groups can relate to policy
Provide a means of disseminating information relating to the application of relevant techniques across all industrial sectors
Encourage the submission of high quality papers and similar communications
Communicate and co-operate with Divisions and Groups within the Institution and to interface, collaborate and exchange information with appropriate outside bodies at national and international levels
Support, advise and promote relevant education and training within the Institution and to organise seminars and conferences
Promote the development of research programmes
Administer the award of the Bramah Medal Identify and evaluate new developments and emerging technologies in mechanical engineering with the potential to impact the mechatronics, informatics and control industry.

Mechatronics Forum

The Mechatronics Forum covers all aspects of mechatronics including fluid power engineering. The Forum is responsible for liaisons with IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) in respect of the Mechatronics and Robotics Professional Network.

It is also responsible for bringing forward names of a panel of judges to vote on Bramah Medal nominees.

Informatics and Control Working Group

The Informatics and Control Working Group covers all generic and emerging technologies that relate to computer systems for supporting engineering business efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, it promotes all aspects of generic control systems engineering, control theory, intelligent systems and human-computer system design. The ICWG is responsible for liaising with the IET, IEEE and UKACC on all matters regarding Informatics and Control. Both WGs will participate in the organisation of seminars and conferences. The structure will be reviewed annually.

CPD courses at Bath University

In partnership with the University of Bath, MICG supports short courses for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the areas of hydraulics, electrical drives, and control.

The courses are presented in Bath by experienced staff and researchers from the Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control at the University. Lectures covering the fundamentals are complemented by a range of experimental laboratory sessions, tutorials, design exercises, and computer simulation classes.