Design & Optimisation
We want products to become increasingly smart. That doesn’t make their design any easier, on the contrary. By using model-based methods and corresponding supporting software tools, we make sure that the development trajectory is right from the first time. In this way, we can enhance innovation.
Why this research?
As end customers, we always want more: products must be able to do more, must perform better and become user-friendlier. All these criteria must be taken into consideration when optimising a product (multi-attribute optimisation), both in terms of hardware, software, electronics, etc. (multi-domain optimisation). As we also step up our search for personalised products or for smart products that can adjust to the operating conditions (multi-context usability), their design becomes increasingly complex. Finally, mass customisation also requires us to consider – already in the design phase – the way in which the product must be assembled. In short, product design and product assembly can no longer be regarded separately.
To optimise this process, computer support has become indispensable, even for very experienced developers. They have a clear need for model-based development methods to tackle these complex problems and to come to a manufacturable product faster and at a lower cost. A short time-to-market, good risk management and guaranteed certification are key criteria here.
Tools enabling to validate virtual designs, assess several potential (design) solutions and visualise the impact of certain changes support developers in their design choices.
Our services
We offer the following services in our Design & Optimisation competence cluster:
Concrete research objectives
Our research supports companies in the design of (multi-context usable) products and/or their assembly system. That is why we develop model-based methods and corresponding software tools for time-and cost-efficiently designing and optimising smart products (and product families), their assembly system or both. The purpose is a faster and cheaper market introduction of better and more innovative products (product families) and solutions that create added value for the user.
For whom?
- Developers of cyber-physical systems
- Developers of assembly solutions
- Suppliers of software tools and engineering services
Current cluster members*
- Atlas Copco Airpower nv
- Barco nv
- Bosal Emission Control Systems nv
- Cloostermans
- CNH Industrial Belgium nv
- Dana Belgium nv
- Grammar Electronics nv
- Michel Van de Wiele nv
- Noesis
- Picanol nv
- Punch Powertrain nv
- Recticel
- Reynaers Aluminium
- Siemens Industry Software nv
- Tenneco Automotive Europe bvba
- Van Hoecke Automation nv
- Voxdale nv
Questions? Contact the cluster manager
Paola Campestrini - Clustermanager Design & Optimisation - Flanders Make