Known as the Motion Control Association (MCA, www.motioncontrolonline.org), the new trade group will promote the use of “mechatronics,” which combines mechanical and electronic motion control technologies. Mechatronics currently accounts for more than $44 billion in annual sales globally, according to the MCA.MCA will be a source for industry statistics, and it plans to develop and coordinate industry standards, provide educational programs, host executive-level business conferences and become the leading resource for motion control technology. Motion Control Online, a Web resource for the industry, was launched in October 2006. The Web site provides users of motion control an online buyer’s guide, articles and technical papers, new product information, user tips, an “ask-the-experts” forum, career center and bookstore.MCA is part of the Automation Technologies Council, a trade organization composed of the Robotic Industries Association (www.roboticsonline.com) and Automated Imaging Association (www.machinevisiononline.org).
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