A Simulation-Based Layered Framework Framework for the Development of Collaborative Autonomous Systems

The purpose of this thesis is to introduce a simulation-based software framework that facilitates the development of collaborative autonomous systems. Significant commonalities exist in the design approaches of both collaborative and autonomous systems, mirroring the sense, plan, act paradigm, and mostly adopting layered architectures. Unfortunately, the development of such systems is intricate and requires low-level interfacing which significantly detracts from development time. Frameworks for the development of collaborative and autonomous systems have been developed but are not flexible and center on narrow ranges of applications and platforms. The proposed framework utilizes an expandable layered structure that allows developers to define a layered structure and perform isolated development on different layers. The framework provides communication capabilities and allows message definition in order to define collaborative behavior across various applications. The framework is designed to be compatible with many robotic platforms and utilizes the concept of robotic middleware in order to interface with robots; attaching the framework on different platforms only requires changing the middleware. An example Fire Brigade application that was developed in the framework is presented; highlighting the design process and utilization of framework related features. The application is simulation-based, relying on kinematic models to simulate physical actions and a virtual environment to provide access to sensor data. While the results demonstrated interesting collaborative behavior, the ease of implementation and capacity to experiment by swapping layers is particularly noteworthy. The framework retains the advantages of layered architectures and provides greater flexibility, shielding developers from intricacies and providing enough tools to make collaboration easy to perform

Designing and Evaluating a Collaborative Writing Process with Gamification Elements: Toward a Framework for Gamifying Collaboration Processes

In this study, we examine the influence that gamification elements have on collaboration processes in terms of whether they increase intention to continue to use the system based on meaningful engagement and hedonic motivation as well as outcome quality. Therefore, we review gamification models and principles for information systems and consolidate them in a preliminary framework. We then evaluate how one can supplement the collaboration process for collaborative story writing with gamification elements based on the framework. Additionally, we consider specific gamification elements to successfully accomplish the process. To do so, we conducted action design research in a common iterative structure. First, we observed and reflected on the analog collaborative writing process. Next, we derived design principles and remodeled and implemented the process via a Web application instantiation to evaluate them. In the evaluation, we identified the developed design principles’ ability to reach higher hedonic motivation and meaningful engagement, which led to an enhanced intention to continue to use the system. Additionally, we found the potential to manage the shift toward digital collaboration processes that motivate people to participate and produce promising outcomes that do not vary much from outcomes in an analog setting

COLLABORATIVE CAD MODELING PROCESS ANALYSIS TO SUPPORT TEAMWORK FOR BUILDING DESIGN

Collaborative tools are information systems which allow document sharing through local area networks, intranets and extranets. Collaborative design can be a solution to increase the productivity and the final quality of the product in a building design office. In this way it is possible to assure the information integration and also the data integrity during the design process based on computer network communication. The goal of this article is to analyze how one CAD system based on BIM concept (ArchiCAD software - Graphisoft/Nemetschek) can support a collaborative teamwork structured on an integrated model for different design views. In this model, the tasks are assigned by a coordinator and executed by the designers in different places following the client-service scheme. It is intended to contribute with the diffusion of this information technology tool and to present its potentiality for the improvement of the design performance. The research method used was a case study of the development design. In this case study, communication guidelines had been applied to verify the software behavior in relation to the task execution in a shared framework. The use of the collaborative CAD modeling in the development design provided information sharing, track and control of document versions and also the integration of design modifications in such automatic and simultaneous way between different computers used.Collaborative tools are information systems which allow document sharing through local area networks, intranets and extranets. Collaborative design can be a solution to increase the productivity and the final quality of the product in a building design office. In this way it is possible to assure the information integration and also the data integrity during the design process based on computer network communication. The goal of this article is to analyze how one CAD system based on BIM concept (ArchiCAD software - Graphisoft/Nemetschek) can support a collaborative teamwork structured on an integrated model for different design views. In this model, the tasks are assigned by a coordinator and executed by the designers in different places following the client-service scheme. It is intended to contribute with the diffusion of this information technology tool and to present its potentiality for the improvement of the design performance. The research method used was a case study of the development design. In this case study, communication guidelines had been applied to verify the software behavior in relation to the task execution in a shared framework. The use of the collaborative CAD modeling in the development design provided information sharing, track and control of document versions and also the integration of design modifications in such automatic and simultaneous way between different computers used

A machine learning enabled multi-fidelity platform for the integrated design of aircraft systems

The push toward reducing the aircraft development cycle timemotivates the development of collaborative frameworks that enable themore integrated design of aircraft and their systems. The ModellIng and Simulation tools for Systems IntegratiONon Aircraft (MISSION) project aims to develop an integratedmodelling and simulation framework. This paper focuses on some recent advancements in theMISSION project and presents a design framework that combines a filtering process to down-select feasible architectures, amodeling platformthat simulates the power system of the aircraft, and a machine learning-based clustering and optimization module. This framework enables the designer to prioritize different designs and offers traceability on the optimal choices. In addition, it enables the integration of models at multiple levels of fidelity depending on the size of the design space and the accuracy required. It is demonstrated for the electrification of the Primary Flight Control System (PFCS) and the landing gear braking system using different electric actuation technologies. The performance of different architectures is analyzed with respect to key performance indicators (fuel burn, weight, power). The optimization process benefits from a data-driven localization step to identify sets of similar architectures. The framework demonstrates the capability of optimizing across multiple, different system architectures in an efficient way that is scalable for larger design spaces and larger dimensionality problems

A reference architecture for the collaborative planning modelling process in multi-tier supply chain networks: a Zachman-based approach

A prominent and contemporary challenge for supply chain (SC) managers concerns the coordination of the efforts of the nodes of the SC in order to mitigate unpredictable market behaviour and satisfy variable customer demand. A productive response to this challenge is to share pertinent market-related information, on a timely basis, in order to effectively manage the decision-making associated with the SC production and transportation planning processes. This paper analyses the most well-known reference modelling languages and frameworks in the collaborative SC field and proposes a novel reference architecture, based upon the Zachman Framework (ZF), for supporting collaborative plan- ning (CP) in multi-level, SC networks. The architecture is applied to an automotive supply chain configuration, where, under a collaborative and decentralised approach, improvements in the service levels for each node were observed. The architecture was shown to provide the base discipline for the organisation of the processes required to manage the CP activity.The authors thanks the support from the project 'Operations Design and Management in Global Supply Chains (GLOBOP)' (Ref. DPI2012-38061-C02-01), funded by the Ministry of Science and Education of Spain, for the supply chain environment research contribution.Hernández Hormazábal, JE.; Lyons, AC.; Poler, R.; Mula, J.; Goncalves, R. (2014). A reference architecture for the collaborative planning modelling process in multi-tier supply chain networks: a Zachman-based approach. Production Planning and Control. 25(13-14):1118-1134. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2013.808842S111811342513-14Al-Mutawah, K., Lee, V., & Cheung, Y. (2008). A new multi-agent system framework for tacit knowledge management in manufacturing supply chains. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 20(5), 593-610. doi:10.1007/s10845-008-0142-0Baïna, S., Panetto, H., & Morel, G. (2009). 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Discrete costing versus collaborative costing

The UK construction industry has witnessed a recent shift towards integrated and collaborative approaches. Such collaborative efforts include the use of integrated systems like BIM, lean and innovative procurement options which are now reshaping project delivery systems. However, in the UK, most efforts have focused primarily on the conventional project management system, which is coherent and contract-based and has brought the separation in the processes of costing/design and production. In fact, cost and design processes are still treated as independent and separate functions which are carried out discretely within the current project delivery system. This neglect, and the lack of a holistic and collaborative approach in costing, arguably accounts for much of the cost overrun that is still prevalent in the UK industry. Traditionally, cost management has been the chief duty of Quantity Surveyors (QSs) in the UK. Recently, Target Value Design (TVD) has emerged as a management approach under the lean philosophy that aims to deliver exactly what the customer needs in terms of value within stipulated project constraints. The technique is aimed at making the budget become an input in the design and decision making process rather than an outcome of a design. The growth of collaborative approaches such as TVD opens new opportunities for project participants to deliver more value for clients and work collaboratively. This paper reports on the literature review that aimed at developing a framework to improve the current cost management practice towards a more collaborative system against the existing discrete form of costing that inhibits collaboration

Distributed IT for integration and communication of engineering information for collaborative building design

In recent years, the rapid development of new information technologies has significantly impacted on the product development process as strategic means to gain competitive advantage in a global market. In the engineering domain, powerful computer-based tools such as Computer Aided Design systems enable engineers to perform various design tasks and realise product concepts in the early phase of the product development process. However, the increasing complexity of modern products as well as the globalization of product development further necessitate distributed and collaborative design environments. This is where different computer systems and dispersed specialists in similar or different disciplines need to collaboratively be involved in shared design activities. Therefore, the integration and communication of engineering information are two of the most key technical factors in ensuring successful collaboration. The current application of information technology in supporting collaboration during the design process is limited to either a document-based or a common format-based exchange level. These methods provide relatively simple forms of collaboration compared with desired distributed and collaborative design environments that can deliver more effective ways of collaboration. The work detailed in this research investigates the advantages of using modern distributed information technologies alongside a suitable framework and a product model to support multi-disciplinary collaborative design. The work also involves exploring other important issues related to real-time collaborative design environments. These are design transaction management, access control, communication, and version management. The research work employs modern technology and distributed computing to enhance the processes of collaborative building design. The research proposes a framework and a product model to extend the functionalities of stand-alone and single-user design systems to facilitate synchronous collaborative design where distributed designers can work concurrently on a centralised shared model and carry out all necessary communication and data exchanges electronically. The implemented framework proposes a data transaction management approach that ensures efficient concurrent access to the model data and maintains data consistency. The framework also employs software agents to automatically access and operate on the information exchanged among the collaborators. The proposed product model in this work extends an adopted model to support access right control and version management. The work is implemented in an experimental software as a client-server model. .Net technology is used for implementing the framework and the product model and virtual reality technology is used to allow for intuitive interaction with the system. The research concludes that the utilisation of the modern distributed technologies can effectively induce change in the design process toward a more collaborative and concurrent design. As demonstrated within this work, these technologies with a suitable system design can meet the main requirements of a real-time collaborative building design system

Distributed IT for integration and communication of engineering information for collaborative building design

In recent years, the rapid development of new information technologies has significantly impacted on the product development process as strategic means to gain competitive advantage in a global market. In the engineering domain, powerful computer-based tools such as Computer Aided Design systems enable engineers to perform various design tasks and realise product concepts in the early phase of the product development process. However, the increasing complexity of modern products as well as the globalization of product development further necessitate distributed and collaborative design environments. This is where different computer systems and dispersed specialists in similar or different disciplines need to collaboratively be involved in shared design activities. Therefore, the integration and communication of engineering information are two of the most key technical factors in ensuring successful collaboration. The current application of information technology in supporting collaboration during the design process is limited to either a document-based or a common format-based exchange level. These methods provide relatively simple forms of collaboration compared with desired distributed and collaborative design environments that can deliver more effective ways of collaboration. The work detailed in this research investigates the advantages of using modern distributed information technologies alongside a suitable framework and a product model to support multi-disciplinary collaborative design. The work also involves exploring other important issues related to real-time collaborative design environments. These are design transaction management, access control, communication, and version management. The research work employs modern technology and distributed computing to enhance the processes of collaborative building design. The research proposes a framework and a product model to extend the functionalities of stand-alone and single-user design systems to facilitate synchronous collaborative design where distributed designers can work concurrently on a centralised shared model and carry out all necessary communication and data exchanges electronically. The implemented framework proposes a data transaction management approach that ensures efficient concurrent access to the model data and maintains data consistency. The framework also employs software agents to automatically access and operate on the information exchanged among the collaborators. The proposed product model in this work extends an adopted model to support access right control and version management. The work is implemented in an experimental software as a client-server model. .Net technology is used for implementing the framework and the product model and virtual reality technology is used to allow for intuitive interaction with the system. The research concludes that the utilisation of the modern distributed technologies can effectively induce change in the design process toward a more collaborative and concurrent design. As demonstrated within this work, these technologies with a suitable system design can meet the main requirements of a real-time collaborative building design system

DETC2006-99149 AN AGENT-BASED APPROACH TO COLLABORATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN

ABSTRACT The growth of computer science and technology has brought new opportunities for multidisciplinary designers and engineers to collaborate with each other in a concurrent and coordinated manner. The development of computational agents with unified data structures and software protocols can contribute to the establishment of a new way of working in collaborative design, which is increasingly becoming an international practice. In this paper, we first propose a computational model of collaborative product design management aiming to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooperation and coordination among participating disciplines. Then, we present a new framework of collaborative design which adopts an agent-based approach and relocates designers, managers, systems, and supporting agents in a unified knowledge representation scheme for product design. An agent-based system is now being implemented and the design of a set of dinning table and chairs is chosen to demonstrate how the system can help designers in the management and coordination of the collaborative product design process. INTORDUCTION Increasing product complexity, explosive global competition, and rapidly changing customer's demands are forcing product manufacturers to improve the efficiency of design decision-making and shrink design cycle times. Advances in the computer science and technology have opened new opportunities for multidisciplinary designers and engineers to collaborative with each other more efficiently and effectively. Collaborative design can create added value in the design and production process by bringing the benefit of team work and cooperation in a concurrent and coordinated manner. Also, it help reduce the loss of efficiency resulted from potential conflicts and misunderstandings among team members. However, the difficulties arising from the requirements for design coordination mixed with differences among heterogeneous system architectures and information structures tend to undermine the effectiveness and the success of collaborative design among multidisciplinary designers. Recently, agent technology has been recognized by more and more researchers as a promising approach to analyzing, designing, and implementing industrial distributed systems. An intelligent agent consists of self-contained knowledge-based systems capable of perceiving, reasoning, adapting, learning, cooperating, and delegating in a dynamic environment to tackle specialist problems. The way in which intelligent software agents residing in a multi-agent system interact and cooperate with one another to achieve a common goal is similar to the way that human designers collaborate with each other to carry out a product design project. Thus, we believe that a collaborative product design environment implemented by taking an agentbased approach will be capable of assisting human designers or design teams effectively and efficiently in collaborative product design. In this paper, based on the analysis of the characteristics of a collaborative design process, we first propose a computational model of collaborative product design management to improve