The Smart/IoT revolution isn’t a digital, electronic or mobile revolution because these defined
the previous industrial revolutions, its uniqueness is physical. The Smart revolution brings
intelligence to objects but if that were just our devices would it be a revolution? It’s
mechanical systems that define this one, adding sensory intelligence to machines that are
transforming our physical world.

Mechatronics manufacturing is a native discipline of this industrial revolution, it’s the
integration of electrical, computer, connectivity and mechanical processes. It’s the ultimate
postmodern revolution too because it’s revolutionising itself, smart robots that build these
smart machines, but maybe we’re taking that too far.

Mechatronics is defined by its mechanical systems at heart though and change is
progressing at speed in a human/computer partnership. It will continually optimise robotic
manufacturing processes but only if they are all present at the same time – moulding and
gearing, battery packs, electronics, silicon and communication technology.

Within this integrated group of manufacturing capabilities, moulding plastics is the oldest
discipline with sophisticated and established practices available across APAC but
mechatronics changes priorities and perspectives? Are the established processes still ideal,
are they suited to new optimisations or do we need to revisit our established expertise?

A capable plastic moulder in isolation from the manufacturer is no longer viable. Plastic
parts needed range from precision gear and motor components to premium finished plastic
housings. Internal complex electro-mechanical assemblies are the norm. So a truly
mechatronics manufacturer needs a range of capabilities in moulding, assembly, testing and
finishing. Vertical alignment with the electronics manufacturing is paramount now to ensure
mechatronics products are integrated right first time. This signifies a new importance of the
“Mechatronics Ready” mechanical provider..

So if your mechatronics manufacturer can optimise as fast as it innovates then you will
always be at the forefront of this industrial revolution.

WSP is an established moulding company but it sits within the group of integrated
mechatronics capability at Microtronics. WSP can deliver all the traditional moulded plastics
and electro-mechanical assemblies into your distributed supply chain and into integrated
mechatronics projects at Microtronics. However they significantly do both with unparalleled
insight into the future of manufacturing this new industrial revolution, future proofing your
manufacturing.