The mechatronic revolution in renewable energy: cross-domain synergies with AI and IoT for efficiency and resilience

With growing global concerns about climate change and fossil fuel depletion, renewable energy is increasingly important as a sustainable and necessary solution. Mechatronics Systems (MTS), which combines mechanics, electronics, control engineering, and computer science, is emerging as an effective way to promote and develop Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs). This systematic review was conducted through a comprehensive evaluation of more than 150 scientific papers published between 2020 and 2025. The literature was collected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, based on strict criteria focused on articles published in MTS to improve the efficiency and sustainability of RETs. Additionally, it provides the role of MTS and its applications in solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and bioenergy, with particular emphasis on monitoring, and energy management. The article discusses the technical challenges associated with integrating MTS with RETs, including system integration issues and environmental and regulatory concerns. Simultaneously, it examines the innovations and improvements introduced to MTS systems by artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). As a result, MTS contributes to increasing the efficiency of renewable energy by 10-30% and reducing the payback period by 20-30% compared to traditional systems.HighlightsMechatronics applications in solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and bioenergy systems.Advanced control, conversion, and storage improve the efficiency and performance.Reviews recent innovations in mechatronics supported by AI and IoT.Increase energy efficiency by 10–30% and reduce payback periods by up to 30%.A 15-35% reduction in operating costs, and 25-50% in maintenance costs