3 questions for Rainer Stark about engineering Industrie 4.0 solutions (Key Theme 3/Key Themes of Industrie 4.0)

TU Berlin: FG Industrielle Informationstechnik, Rainer Stark

Prof. Rainer Stark, head of the Chair of Industrial Information Technology at Technische Universität Berlin

Bild: © TU Berlin
Munich, 22 January 2024

1. The increasing complexity of systems and the orchestration of higher-level system networks in Industrie 4.0 require a holistic approach to engineering. What do you think are the key solutions?

The connections between technical subsystems, system-of-system networks (e.g. product to infrastructure) and in the form of human-technology interactions can be mastered with advanced systems engineering in the sense of a synthetic building block. The systems way of thinking in conjunction with model-based engineering provides the basis for this. The increasing data-based operation of Industrie 4.0 systems also requires the intensive use of data analytics or data engineering in order to qualify artificial intelligence as a solution element.

2. Industrie 4.0 is also an important topic for SMEs. What do you recommend to companies that want to test Industrie 4.0 solutions? Is there a need for action at the German location to support SMEs with testing?

It is advisable to gradually open up to the new aspects of Industrie 4.0 solutions based on the SMEs’ own expertise. For example, digital twin solutions can be expanded in stages, from the simple levels of digital nameplates and product passports, through advanced levels of maintenance and repair analysis, to real-time systems of functional operation (such as via adaptive remote controls). Testing options from Industrie 4.0 centers and university institutes are available for this purpose.

3. Where do you see the greatest need for research and development in order to enable improved design and development of products and production systems from the increasing data diversity in operations?

It is crucial how we in Germany design the new interaction between deep engineering knowledge of products, production facilities and technical systems with the new digital IT-based capabilities. There is a great need for research and development regarding model-based system design, new combined ad-hoc simulation capabilities, operationally adaptable digital twin solutions and the associated necessary data platforms and spaces. Unlike in the past, we have to be very careful to ensure that we give equal consideration to IT applications that are understandable and easy to learn for different professions.

The publication of the Research Council Industrie 4.0 „Themenfelder Industrie 4.0 (2. überarbeitete Fassung)“ deepens these topics. You can find the publication here (in German).