Mechatronics, motion control markets promising

Post-recession business plans for several members of the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) include expansion into motion control and mechatronics, according to a new survey. While mechatronics is defined as a mixture of electronics, control, and mechanical action, motion control is often thought of as individual components — some mechanical, some electronic. According to survey results, these markets are rapidly merging. Based on a sampling of PTDA members, distributors view the motion control industry as a natural extension of their business. Nineteen percent of survey respondents indicate they are “fully engaged” in the motion control business while another 43% sell motion control products and plan to expand their efforts in the months ahead. For more information, visit www.ptda.org.