Mechatronics in industry: an essential technology with many benefits?

It is discreet, yet remarkable. Activated daily without notice and often hidden from view: mechatronics.

Mechatronics is a technology that integrates the dynamics and motion of objects to become an intelligent solution adaptable to all mechanical systems.

BIBUS France offers mechatronic solutions designed to support operators in their daily tasks involving pushing or pulling motions. Production tools can be equipped with gas, electric, orhydraulic actuators, or even electric wheels, to significantly reduce physical strain.

What does Mechatronics mean at BIBUS France?

Since 1964, BIBUS France has been supplying components in fields such as mechatronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, collaborative robotics, and environmental technologies.

Over the decades, the company has built strong partnerships with industrial companies across various sectors: automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Mechatronics, according to BIBUS France, is a smart mechanical system designed to assist humans in handling heavy loads, allowing them to focus on more valuable tasks. With no failure risk, BIBUS’s mechatronic solutions enable pushing, guiding, lifting, or lowering loads without external energy. Whether gas, electric, or hydraulic, actuators control movement speed and significantly reduce workplace strain.

Where is mechatronics used?

Virtually every sector, not just industrial, can benefit from mechatronic systems.

Actuators are highly versatile and used in a wide array of industries from aerospace and automotive to everyday environments.

Wherever pressure is required to open, close, lift, lower, pull, or push, actuators offer ideal solutions. Easy to position and lock, they are widely used in:

• Surgery and medical equipment
• Healthcare and personal assistance services
• Rehabilitation tools like wheelchairs and stretchers
• Sports and physical therapy equipment
• Office furniture (e.g., chairs and worktables)
• Home interiors, including kitchens and living rooms
  

In logistics, electric wheels and actuators are increasingly used to ease the handling of heavy loads.

The history and mechatronic solutions of BIBUS France

In 2001, BIBUS France established a key partnership with Bansbach, a German company with over 40 years of expertise in producing high-reliability gas springs.

This collaboration has enabled BIBUS France to further develop intelligent, autonomous mechatronic systems, enhancing its range of collaborative mobile robotics and tailor-made solutions, such as:

• Standard, lockable, pull/push gas springs
• Electric and hydraulic actuators, including the EasyMotion system
• MC speed controllers for managing translational mass movement
  

EasyMotion hydraulic system

This solution allows for precise linear positioning of devices. Using actuators, a hydraulic pump, and tubing, the system can smoothly raise or lower flat surfaces desks, workbenches, beds, assembly tables without imbalance. The actuators are operated synchronously and independently.

Designed for integration into new or existing equipment, the system improves ergonomics, reduces physical strain (e.g., back pain), and enhances efficiency. It’s also ideal for making home furniture more comfortable and adjustable.

High-performance actuators for operators

BIBUS France offers next-generation actuators that are reliable, high-performing, and designed with user safety in mind no pinching, shock, jerks, or rebound effects for operators.

Equipping tools with actuators provides numerous benefits for technicians:

• Enhanced safety and precision
• Easier handling and operation
  

Gas springs amplify manual force when pulling, lowering, or positioning loads, easing the burden on operators and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Electric actuators are powered by an integrated motor, meaning no external force is needed. With just a push of a button, up/down movements are triggered remotely, offering key advantages:

• Improved safety: Remote control allows operators to stay clear of hazardous zones such as storage areas with dangerous substances, extreme temperature environments (e.g., pharmaceutical or food industry freezers), or clean rooms.
  
• Reduced physical effort: No manual force is required, decreasing fatigue and minimizing errors. This allows operators to focus on higher-value tasks and improve workflow, especially in logistics.
  

A key asset against MSDs and more

In industrial and manufacturing environments, actuators also act as a form of predictive maintenance. Unlike uncontrolled manual force, which can lead to long-term damage, mechatronics manage movement and vibration precisely.

Gas and electric actuators control weight distribution and resistance, preventing equipment wear, reducing breakdowns, and extending the life of machinery.

This leads to:

• Improved equipment reliability
• Higher productivity
• Reduced maintenance costs
  

With a modest investment, actuators can deliver long-term gains in productivity by decreasing MSDs and streamlining operator tasks.

Is mechatronics aligned with industry 4.0?

If the Factory of the Future aims to improve working conditions while innovating production processes and enhancing competitiveness, then yes mechatronics is a key enabler of Industry 4.0.

Modernizing production tools is a vital way to improve entire production lines, boost operator well-being, and increase overall performance.

BIBUS France brings its expertise to SMEs and mid-sized companies seeking to modernize their systems and highlight their know-how through innovation.

Got a project? Ready to upgrade your operations? Contact us !