On Computational Synthesis of Complex Electromechanical Systems

Developing new approaches to aiding computational synthesis of modern electromechanical systems is a major need. Current techniques use product representations that reason with single abstractions such as either geometry or physical dynamics. Further, these techniques are utilized in the context of static design processes. This article proposes the development of computational frameworks wherein both the process of design along with the product being designed are reasoned with in an integrated manner. Developing such a framework would require advances in product models that integrate geometric and behavioral abstractions. Further, development of new process models would require integration of planning and machine learning techniques that reason with these new product representations. An integrated framework would aid in the development of better cost-effective synthesis tools and allow for assimilating and reusing many kinds of design knowledge. Potential approaches towards developing such a synthetic framework are outlined.