ENTIME

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Design Methods for Intelligent Mechatronic Systems

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The research project “Design Methods for Intelligent Mechatronics” (ENTIME) aims to improve the innovative power of modern mechanical engineering. On the one hand, this can be achieved by developing a domain-spanning design technique with a special emphasis on control and software technology. On the other hand, the use of semantic technologies enables an effective access to existing solutions from different suppliers.

A technical product such as a mechatronic system is the result of a value added chain, in which companies share an increasing volume of development work with specialist providers of solution elements. Solution elements are realised and proven solutions that fulfil at least one function of the system. Examples of solution elements could be an assembly, a module or a software library.

Online catalogues are the common medium for sharing product information on the internet. However, finding suitable elements in these catalogues can be difficult, as the search is based on keywords and does not consider specific properties of solution elements. As a result, the companies restrict themselves to solutions that they are already using successfully. They cannot exploit the full potential of new solutions from other suppliers, which could lead to new innovations.

Problem within the integration of existing solution elements in the development process

The Semantic Web significantly improves the selection process of solution elements. A specific set of parameters is provided for each class of solution elements. These parameters are formalised by computer-readable semantic annotations. Similarly, the functions required by the developer are formalised to provide a semantic search for solution elements. The computer is thus able to evaluate the provided and required information and consider all available solutions. The necessary tools are a description language and ontologies. Results of the ENTIME project show that the perspectives offered by the Semantic Web indeed improve the development process.

Industrial products are based on proven solutions (principle of the system composition using solution elements).

The project is funded with approximately 4.3 million euros by the European Union and the state of NRW. It is being conducted by the Heinz Nixdorf Institute, represented by Professors J. Gausemeier, W. Schäfer and A. Trächtler, in close cooperation with nine local companies. It will significantly improve the innovative capacity of the mechanical engineering sector and allow local companies to access new distribution channels.