Raivo Sell

OPAS: Ontology Processing for Assisted Synthesis of Conceptual Design Solutions

This article focuses on a key phase of the conceptual design, the synthesis of structural concepts of solution. Several authors have described this phase of Engineering Design. The Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) is one of these models. This study is based on the combined use of a modified version of Gero’s FBS model and the latest developments of modeling languages for systems engineering. System Modeling Language (SysML) is a general-purpose graphical modeling language for specifying, analyzing, designing, and verifying complex systems. Our development shows how SysML types of diagrams match with our updated vision of the FBS model of conceptual design. The objective of this paper is to present the possibility to use artificial intelligence tools as members of the design team for supporting the synthesis process. The common point of expert systems developed during last decades for the synthesis of conceptual solutions is that their knowledge bases were application dependent. Latest research in the field of Ontology showed the possibility to build knowledge representations in a reusable and shareable manner. This allows the construction of knowledge representation for engineering in a more generic manner and dynamic mapping of the ontology layers. We present here how processing on ontology allows the synthesis of conceptual solutions.Copyright

Remotely controlled multi robot environment

The current study introduces updating of the educational process in higher educational institutions and raising the vocational qualification of engineers in companies. Modern networking e-environment requires broad-minded employees who have a perfect core education and who can understand the main principles of work in related disciplines. The objective of the study was the development of an integrated inter-disciplinary e-curriculum concentrated on mechatronics, supported by mobile laboratory sets that can save study time and resources. New concepts of integrated engineering areas and information technologies are introduced in this paper.

Comprehensive Blended Learning Concept for Teaching Micro Controller Technology Utilising HomeLab Kits and Remote Labs in a Virtual Web Environment

This article introduces a comprehensive toolkit for the teaching of Mechatronics and Computer Science (especially micro controller technology and embedded programming). The approach is based upon a full set of materials, tools and products for internet-assisted distance learning. The concept presented here utilises remote labs, home labs and face-to-face teaching in classes. In detail, the learning concept is composed of a special DistanceLab solution, HomeLab kits and a Virtual Micro Controller Unit, assisted by supportive material which will be introduced in this paper and put into coherence with the didactic concept. Intended further steps in Remote Lab development are also presented by the authors.

Early design and simulation toolkit for mobile robot platforms

The early design is an important but often underestimated design stage of a new product development process. Engineering decisions at different design stages affect the final product without any doubt. However, decisions made at an early design stage affect the result much more than later ones. The objective of the research is to provide comprehensive framework, supported by the appropriate tools and techniques for system engineering and mobile robot platforms. The framework applies novel technique - System Modelling Language (SysML) as a technical language of creating models as well as simulation scenarios. Mobile Robot Toolkit profile is developed based on SysML, which is intended to provide pre-defined models and simulation cases to help designers to compare design candidates more effectively and find out optimal solution in minimum time with maximum help of computational tools. A case study, presenting examples of applying toolkit models for performance evaluation is introduced in the end of paper.

Microcontroller based intelligent platform for research and education in mechatronics

The microcontroller based intelligent platform is a combination of technology and methodology developed for mechatronics education and research. Students can use the platform for mechatronics coursework and hands-on experiments not only in the university lab but also at home or whatever place they can imagine. Only an Internet connected computer is needed. At the same way university staff or researchers can run microcontroller based experiments over the web in case of complex algorithms where different sensors and actuators are involved and need to be tested. The paper introduces the methodology and associated technical concept as well as giving closer look to the hardware systems. Experience of applying the platform in Estonia and Germany is shortly summarized in the last chapter.

Universal Navigation Algorithm Planning Platform for Unmanned Systems

The paper deals with route planning and message exchange platform development for unmanned vehicle systems like Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Existing solutions for both types of vehicles are discussed and analyzed. Based on existing solution an unified concept is introduced. In this paper we present the study where the universal navigation algorithm planning platform is developed aiming to provide common platform for different unmanned mobile robotic systems. The platform is independent from the application and the target software. The navigation and action planning activity is brought to the abstract layer and specific interfaces are used to produce the target oriented code, describing two different test platforms are presented and co-operation scenarios.

Design templates for mobile robot conceptual design

The paper discusses mechatronics and robotics systems conceptual level design approach. Set of design templates are developed and organized into libraries preassigned for use on early stages of system design on example of robotics applications. The advantages of retaining the usability of component libraries offering in parallel the design alternatives verification and fine tuning capabilities on the conceptual level is aimed. The proposed concept is briefly discussed on the base of a robot design example.

Development case study of the first estonian self-driving car, iseauto

Abstract The rapid development of intelligent control technology has also brought about changes in the automotive industry and led to development of autonomous or self-driving vehicles. To overcome traffic and environment issues, self-driving cars use a number of sensors for vision as well as a navigation system and actuators to control mechanical systems and computers to process the data. All these points make a self-driving car an interdisciplinary project that requires contribution from different fields. In our particular case, four different university departments and two companies are directly involved in the self-driving car project. The main aim of the paper is to discuss the challenges faced in the development of the first Estonian self-driving car. The project implementation time was 20 months and the project included four work packages: preliminary study, software development, body assembly and system tuning/testing of the self-driving car. This paper describes the development process stages and tasks that were distributed between the sub-teams. Moreover, the paper presents the technical and software solutions that were used to achieve the goal and presents a self-driving last mile bus called ISEAUTO. Special attention is paid to the discussion of safety challenges that a self-driving electrical car project can encounter. The main outcomes and future research possibilities are outlined

Self-evaluation of Pedagogical Competencies of Academic Staff in the Context of Career Management

The model of Assessment of Academic Staff Work Performance and Feedback has been designed at Tallinn University of Technology (TTU). The model links the main stages of the assessment process from collecting data for compiling a personal portfolio and analyzing personal training needs, to conducting the development and career interview and finalizing with attestation interview. Professional Competencies Self-Evaluation Questionnaire for evaluation of pedagogical/professional competencies of academic staff has been designed based on the model of IGIP competencies of engineering educators’ obtained by passing the IGIP curriculum. The main emphasis of this paper lies on training needs analysis pilot survey, carried out by implementing Professional Competencies Self-Evaluation Questionnaire for academic staff members in TTU in March 2017. The results of the analysis of the pilot survey are presented in the paper.

Unmanned Ground Vehicle Energy Efficiency Validation in Territory Surveillance Mission

This paper describes test case of an energy efficiency validation method. Test case is selected as surveillance mission which is simple and common case for universal unmanned ground vehicle where environment dynamics has major influence. The prototype UGV platform is equipped with combined measurement system providing data about dynamic parameters of platform physical movement as well as real-time energy consumption. Platform energy efficiency is evaluated on several stages, enabling to evaluate both mechanical design and control system algorithms. In addition, environment interaction with the vehicle is measured also for analyzing the vehicle limitations and scope of use. Real-condition missions are used for vehicle design validation purposes.