Introducing computer aided engineering to mechanical engineering students, this text concentrates on fundamental principles involved rather than focusing on specific hardware systems or software packages. Emphasis is on the applications of CAD, from a practical point of view and the benefits and limitations of CAD/CAM are stressed. Basic computer architecture and computer graphics are discussed as useful background to CAD/CAM applications, while emphasis is placed on using the computer as a problem-solving tool. The commonly used CAD/CAM techniques are covered and their benefits and limitations explained. The relevance of computers to engineering company activities is discussed; part programming techniques for NC machine tools are explained, and then extended to cover robot programming and simple robot applications. The book also looks at flexible manufacturing systems as an integrated cell with data links between robots, machine tools and a host computer used as a cell controller. It discusses modern production control strategies and highlights the advantages of computer aids.