Mission

Optomechatronics is an interdisciplinary field of engineering working on systems that consist of mechanical, electrical and optical components synergistically integrated and based on mutual exchange of energy and information. Many optomechatronic systems incorporate control loops, resulting in robustness against external interferences and partially autonomous operation. Optomechatronic systems can be found in many application areas, such as industrial production, automotive technology, air- and space-technology, medical devices and consumer goods.

Examples of optomechatronic systems are:

  • Vision guided robots
  • Laser machining systems
  • Autonomous vehicles
  • Optical storage devices (CD, DVD, … )
  • Laser printers
  • Digital cameras with active optics (auto iris, autofocus, zoom lens, … )
  • Scanning microscopes
  • Endoscopic devices
  • Adaptive optics e.g. in astronomy

In contrast to the immense impact of optomechatronics on technology and economy it is hardly noticed by the general public. Enhancing the public visibility of optomechatronics would make it more attractive for young scientists and engineers. The development of optomechatronic devices and systems and their implementation into problem-solving applications requires a profound knowledge in the fields of mechanics, electronics, optics and information technology as well as experience in system engineering. Currently this is not covered by existing study programs. Graduates of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or physics therefore often have to complement their knowledge on their own.

Being aware of these present shortcomings in 2015 an international group of scientists decided to establish the International Society for Optomechatronics (ISOM). The mission of this society is to

  • Disseminate the information about optomechatronics to the general public as well as to the scientific community
  • Establish platforms for members to meet and discuss ideas
  • Establish guidelines for education programs for students as well as for professionals
  • Support international scientific cooperation