Specification technique for the description of self-optimizing mechatronic systems

The conceivable development of information and communication technology will enable mechatronic systems with inherent partial intelligence. We refer to this by using the term self-optimization. Self-optimizing systems react autonomously and flexibly on changing environmental conditions. They are able to learn and optimize their behavior during operation. To develop self-optimizing systems, is a challenge. The principle solution represents a significant milestone because it is the result of the conceptual design as well as the basis for the concretization of the system itself which involves experts from several domains, such as mechanics, electrical engineering/electronics, control engineering and software engineering. This contribution presents a new specification technique for the conceptual design of mechatronic and self-optimizing systems. It also uses the railway technology as a complex example, to demonstrate how to use this specification technique and in which way it profits for the development of future mechanical engineering systems.