A recent conference at the Loughborough Uniersity of Technology addressed activities in the field of mechatronics. In the opening presentation, Mermis Acar of the Department of Mechanical Engineering defined mechartronics as "the synergistic combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic control, and systems thinking in the design of products and processes." The advantages of applying mechatronics to design are higher flexibility, versatility, Intelligence, safety, and reilability, and lower costs and energy consumption in products and processes. Based on exhibits at ITMA 1991, the Japances currently lead the field. Other presentations addressed the application of mechatronics to diverse sectors of the textile industry, from fabric teting to cone winding.