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.