Ninth International Workshop on Research and Education in Mechatronics on September 18 to 19, 2008, in Bergamo, Italy

DESIGN OF MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS AND BENEFIT OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE TOOLS
Manfred Lohöfener
University of Applied Sciences Merseburg, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Merseburg, Germany

Abstract: The design of mechatronic systems could be done with the so-called V model (VDI guideline 2206 ^1]). A major role in this guideline has modelling and model analysis in the domains mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology.

Usually we use commercial software tools to design mechatronic systems. A well-known and favorite tool is MATLAB/Simulink, many others should be added. Some results of a questionnaire (VDI/VDE GMA Technical Committee Mechatronics) concerning the use of such tools and features to be developed are discussed. Future tasks are defined.

Open source software has more advantages to be considered than saving license fees ^2]. Some examples of open software tools are presented, e.g. Scilab/Scicos or Octave. Requirements concerning characteristics of tools are listed and commercial tools are confronted with open source tools. There are difficulties to use open source tools in the usual business. Questions of warranty, availability and further development are difficult to put into terms of contract.

The founding of the OSADL Open Source Automation Development Lab has brought the use of open source software to a new step. OSADL can push the development of open source tools to a commercial usable level. Citation: “The goal of the Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL) is to promote and support the usage of open-source software in the context of machine and plant control systems. In princi-ple, it aims to support these industries in a similar manner the Linux Foundation supports industries that provide carrier grade, data center, desktop and mobile systems.”^3] We will see how this organization can help us with the development of tools also to design mechatronic systems. On the other hand it has to be determined how universities and companies can contribute to such projects.

[1] VDI, Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (Ed.). Design Methodology for Mechatronic Systems. VDI guideline 2206. Berlin: Beuth 2004 (Cover page)

[2] M. Lohöfener. Experience with the Use of Linux an a Desktop PC and in Embedded Systems. 5th International Workshop on Research and Education in Mechatronics REM 2004, 1st – 2nd October 2004, Silesian University of Technology, Kielce-Cedzyna, Poland (full article)

[3] OSADL Open Source Automation Development Lab. https://www.osadl.org/