Norbert Gewald

Mechatronic models as a driver for digital plant engineering

The digital plant is still a vision since standard engineering tools and systems currently address only specific areas or phases in the engineering process and engineering methodologies are difficult to derive. This paper points out the importance of mechatronic domain models for integrated engineering tool and system landscapes and their significance as a driver for digital plant engineering. A strategy for developing an integrated tool and system landscape is suggested based on user-centric mechatronic domain models. In addition, the definition of mechatronic domain models is discussed.

Methodology for the evaluation of tools with respect to its applicability within mechatronical engineering

Mechatronical engineering is a recent trend within engineering of manufacturing systems. To enable a most efficient and beneficiary application of mechatronical engineering within engineering organizations the mechatronical engineering has to be based on basic concepts realizing the mechatronical thinking and supporting the user. Within this paper an approach to determine and validate basic concepts required for mechatronical engineering using engineering tools is described. Basic concepts which have to be implemented within tools for mechatronical engineering will be named and its realization in tools and data exchange formats is sketched.

Improving mechatronical engineering: An artifact-assessment-based approach

Industrial engineering as a specialization of systems engineering inherently has mechatronic character. The seamless integration of engineering activities across engineering disciplines and throughout the overall engineering life cycle is a key element for achieving optimal technical as well as economic results and has to be supported by adequate engineering concepts and models. In this paper we present a criteria catalog for the qualitative evaluation of engineering artifacts created in or for engineering projects or contained in mechatronic product catalogs. The criteria catalog forms the basis for an assessment-based approach for evaluating mechatronic objects with the main purposes of providing the basis for characterizing, comparing, and improving them and furthermore for identifying directions for engineering improvements.

Potentials of mechatronic objects for improving mechatronic engineering: Results and insights from an online survey

Industrial engineering is inherently of mechatronic character. The integration of all involved disciplines across the entire engineering life cycle is considered as a key element for improvements but requires appropriate conceptual support. Mechatronic objects provide such an approach. A criteria catalog for an assessment-based qualitative evaluation of respective engineering artifacts was developed, which aims to support characterizing, comparing, and improving mechatronic objects. In addition, it allows identifying directions for engineering improvements. In order to align future research efforts with industry needs, we conducted a survey among practitioners and researchers on their estimations regarding the potential of the mechatronic object concept and the implementation of selected criteria. This paper provides the results and insights from this survey and suggests a roadmap in order to improve mechatronic engineering.