Conceptual Design of Self-Optimizing Systems Exemplified By a Magnetic Linear Drive

The conceivable development of information technology will enable mechatronic systems with inherent partial intelligence. We call this kind of systems self-optimizing. Self-optimizing systems are able to react autonomously and flexible to changing environmental conditions. They are capable of learning and optimizing their behavior at run-time. This paper presents the paradigm of self-optimization and shows in which way the principle solution of these systems, the result of the conceptual design phase, should be specified. Furthermore, this paper describes how to analyze whether the developing system should be implemented self-optimized or not. How the methods work we explain by the complex magnetic linear drive of a shuttle.