A further considerable simplification in the mechanics resulted from introducing microcomputers in connection with decentralized electrical drives, as can be seen from electronic typewriters, sewing machines, multi-axis handling systems, and automatic gears. The design of lightweight constructions leads to elastic systems which are weakly damped through the material. An electronic damping through position, speed, or vibration sensors and electronic feedback can be realized with the additional advantage of an adjustable damping through the algorithms. Examples are elastic drive chains of vehicles with damping algorithms in the engine electronics, elastic robots, hydraulic systems, far reaching cranes, and space constructions (with,. | electrical typewriters and cameras. A further considerable simplification in the mechanics resulted from introducing microcomputers in connection with decentralized electrical drives as can be seen from electronic typewriters sewing machines multi-axis handling systems and automatic gears. The design of lightweight constructions leads to elastic systems which are weakly damped through the material. An electronic damping through position speed or vibration sensors and electronic feedback can be realized with the additional advantage of an adjustable damping through the algorithms. Examples are elastic drive chains of vehicles with damping algorithms in the engine electronics elastic robots hydraulic systems far reaching cranes and space constructions with for example flywheels . The addition of closed loop control for position speed or force not only results in a precise tracking of reference variables but also an approximate linear behavior even though the mechanical systems show nonlinear behavior. By omitting the constraint of linearization on the mechanical side the effort for construction and manufacturing may be reduced. Examples are simple mechanical pneumatic and electromechanical actuators and flow valves with electronic control. With the aid of freely programmable reference variable generation the adaptation of nonlinear mechanical systems to the operator can be improved. This is already used for the driving pedal characteristics within the engine electronics for automobiles telemanipulation of vehicles and aircraft in development of hydraulic actuated excavators and electric power steering. With an increasing number of sensors actuators switches and control units the cable and electrical connections increase such that reliability cost weight and the required space are major concerns. Therefore the development of suitable bus systems plug systems and redundant and reconfigurable electronic systems are challenges for the designer. Improvement of Operating .
