The main achievements in the past 24 years and the prospects of mechanism research in China

Since 1982, the symposiums on mechanism in China has been held fifteen times. In the past 24 years, Chinese mechanism has experienced a phenomenal development. Generally, fundamental research on traditional mechanisms is enhanced; mechanism and creative design of products are closely combined; modern mechanism with advanced and new technology is opened up; and mechanism is promoted to modernization. These are manifested in the following aspects: theory research on analysis and synthesis of traditional mechanism is deeply developed; computer-aided design on mechanisms is realized vigorously; conceptual design of mechanism system and mechanical products is energetically pushed; research on robot mechanisms and its industrial application is deeply developed; research on analysis and synthesis of controllable mechanisms and compliant mechanisms are energetically carried out; research on the dynamics of mechanisms and machines is vigorously developed; and reformation of teaching contents and system of mechanism is energetically carried out. Through the above-mentioned aspects of theory research and practical application, the theoretical and academic levels of Chinese mechanism can be considered at the advanced international level. However, there are not many original and breakthrough research achievements of fundamental research in China. In the meantime, there is a larger gap in the aspect of practical application of mechanism in the country compared with advanced countries in the world. © Higher Education Press 2006.