Self-Optimization - an approach for intelligent mechatronics exemplified by an X-by-wire vehicle

Machines are omnipresent. They produce, they transport. Machines facilitate work and assist. The increasing penetration of mechanical engineering by information technology enables considerable benefits. This circumstance is expressed by the term mechatronics, which means the close interaction of mechanics, electronics, control engineering and software engineering to improve the behavior of a technical system. The conceivable development of information technology 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 to optimize their behavior during operation. Hence, the design of such systems is an interdisciplinary task. Mechanical, electrical, control and software engineers are involved as well as experts from mathematical optimization and artificial intelligence. This contribution presents the paradigm of Self-Optimization and an approach to design self-optimizing systems. Therefor we provide the methods and techniques for the development of such systems and demonstrate how they should be used by the example of an innovative X-by-wire electric vehicle.