Researchers Sara Strakosova, Petr Novak, and Petr Kadera from the Czech Technical University in Prague have developed a novel modeling approach that bridges the gap between product life cycles and industrial automation. Their work, published in a recent academic journal, introduces the Product-oriented Product-Process-Resource Asset Network (PoPAN), a framework designed to integrate the entire life cycle of complex mechatronic systems, particularly in the automotive sector.
The researchers highlight a critical oversight in current industrial standards: while they excel at supporting system engineering and production, they often neglect the complete product life cycle and focus primarily on production processes and resources rather than the products themselves. PoPAN addresses this by incorporating the end-of-life phase—including repairing, remanufacturing, or upcycling—into the engineering phase. This holistic approach ensures that the digital shadow of a product, encapsulated within its Asset Administration Shell, accompanies it throughout its entire life cycle.
The PoPAN model is built on the established Product-Process-Resource (PPR) modeling paradigm but extends it to respect the product structure as a foundation. By doing so, it enables seamless integration of end-of-life considerations into the initial engineering phase. The researchers demonstrate the practical application of PoPAN through a use case involving the disassembly of electric vehicle batteries for remanufacturing into stationary battery applications. This example underscores the model’s potential to optimize resource utilization and reduce waste in the automotive industry.
To facilitate widespread adoption, the researchers have serialized the PoPAN model in the AutomationML data format. AutomationML, a widely used standard in industrial automation, ensures interoperability and ease of integration with existing systems. By leveraging this format, PoPAN can be seamlessly incorporated into cyber-physical production systems, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability.
The implications of this research are significant for the maritime sector, where complex mechatronic systems are increasingly prevalent. Ships, offshore platforms, and other marine assets often have intricate life cycles involving multiple phases of operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning. PoPAN’s ability to integrate these phases into a unified digital framework could revolutionize asset management in maritime operations. For instance, it could enable more efficient maintenance scheduling, better resource allocation, and optimized end-of-life strategies for vessels and their components.
Moreover, the maritime industry is under growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, including the remanufacturing and upcycling of components. PoPAN’s focus on these aspects aligns with the sector’s evolving needs, providing a robust tool for achieving circular economy goals. By incorporating end-of-life considerations into the engineering phase, maritime operators can design assets with greater longevity and adaptability, reducing waste and environmental impact.
In conclusion, the PoPAN model represents a significant advancement in industrial automation and asset management. Its application in the maritime sector could drive innovation in sustainability and efficiency, setting a new standard for the industry. As the researchers continue to refine and expand the model, its potential to transform maritime operations becomes increasingly evident. Read the original research paper here.