Virtual Space for Intelligent Engineering in Mechatronics

Recently, advanced modeling based virtual technology produces integrated solutions for lifetime management of complex products. Dynamical growing of industrial applications of mechatronical systems such as robots and robot like equipment urges integration of all information for lifecycle engineering of these products. As a contribution to this integration, this paper discusses modeling and processing capabilities of virtual intelligent space for mechatronical applications. Approach to virtual intelligent space by the authors is an analogue of physical intelligent space. The authors consider virtual intelligent space as an enhanced and highly integrated application of recent advanced CAD/CAM, human-computer, collaborative, product data management, Internet portal, and intelligent information processing techniques. At a high level of simulation, sensor signals of physical intelligent space are replaced by received change information about modeled objects and their environment. Processing of changes is done by intelligent behavior analysis. Adaptive action generators replace actuators. The paper starts with a discussion of background of the reported research about intelligent engineering modeling. Following this, essential considerations, information content, and flow and processing procedures are introduced as basic characteristics of the proposed virtual space. Finally, intelligent engineering by virtual space is detailed by issues of management and communication of changes as well as role and features of behaviors