Policy Directions for Boosting Fusion of PC in the Mechatronics Industry

메카트로닉스산업의 PC 융합 촉진을 위한 기술정책 방향

Since computerized numerical controller(CNC) emerged as a result of the fusion of the electronics technology and the mechanical technology, there has been continuous evolution of CNC technology in the mechatronics industry. The industry is recently developing a new control system based on the fusion of personal computer(PC) and CNC. Upgraded PC has now integrated into CNC, making various machines possible to exchange data, software and hardware, and to greatly improve man-machine interface. The fusion of PC and CNC can form a new paradigm in technological innovation of not only control system but also whole machinery industry in near the future. Korea lagged behind the developed countries in the development of open control system with the fusion of PC. Turbotek, Hyundai Motor and Daewoo are leading companies, but their commercial possibility seems to be low because domestic market is too small to reap a commercial benefit. Nevertheless, the development of the system is an essential step for Korea to embark on a future technological paradigm of the machinery industry. The government needs to play some role for the development, for instance, government R&D projects, institutional building and training of related technicians.