Fraunhofer Institute for Mechatronic Systems Design Going hand in hand with digitization, the transformation of mechatronic toward globally distributed systems that use the Internet to communicate with each other and with us while interacting within a network presents plenty of opportunities for innovation. Key challenges within this development are the greater interdisciplinarity and complexity of the systems themselves. Here, the Department of Product Development addresses the central question of how these complex systems can be created efficiently. Systems engineering is at the heart of this approach, developing methods and means of expression to bring together experts from all specialist disciplines. Key topics are system analyses, modular architecture design, the integration of mechanical and electrical functions and the design of innovative combinations comprising goods and services. The department also investigates how digital technologies such as virtual or augmented reality change everyday routines in product development.
Department of Systems Engineering
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Research groups
Integrated Mechatronic Systems
The Integrated Mechatronic Systems group develops strategies, methods, tools and prototypes for the Internet of Things. It focuses on spatially integrated products that are characterized by enhanced intelligence and greater connectivity. The starting point centers around the exploitation of technology potential, e.g. for additive manufacturing, from the capability and design through to shared prototype development.
Engineering – Methods and Management
The complexity in the emergence of intelligent technical systems (e.g. autonomous networked vehicles, product service systems etc.) is growing exponentially. Existing methods, processes, aids and organisational forms are not sufficient to meet increased requirements. In the Engineering – Methods and Management group, we are therefore working on new approaches to support the system architects of tomorrow and on the necessary mechanisms for introducing systems engineering in companies (training concepts, change management, key figures, etc.).
Digital Engineering
The digitization of product development is progressing within the specialist disciplines through the use of specialized software tools. However, interdisciplinarity and mastery of product complexity can only be achieved through Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). In the Digital Engineering group, we pursue the goal of continuous digital product creation while taking industry-specific requirements into account. This includes topics such as digital twins, the use of artificial intelligence processes in product creation, product lifecycle management and integrated tool chains.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
In the Augmented and Virtual Reality group we develop intuitive user interfaces along the entire product development process - based on the innovative technologies Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. We research new application cases and implement them with the latest hardware. In addition, we support companies in identifying potential applications and design individual visualization and interaction solutions.