Abstract

To handle the ever-growing complexity of modern products in vehicle, machine or plant design, these products are increasingly divided into subsystems or modules. Specialized teams of experts develop these more or less complex modules at one or more locations. If all subsystems meet certain criteria, they are assembled to a complex total system. The total system is then also tested with regard to certain criteria and released if possible. In case of problems, the teams of experts work together on the total system to find a solution. In present-day virtual development of modular systems, these realities are only insufficiently represented. Common software products do not allow for intuitive synchronous collaboration, neither in modelling, in simulation, nor in discussing results. DisMoSim (Distributed modeling and simulation of cyber-physical systems) is a project of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, in which the vision of a seamless and team-oriented virtual product development of modular systems is implemented using multi-body simulation as an example. The goal is the design, prototypical implementation and evaluation of new digital tools and algorithms to support collaborative development at the same ("co-located") and different locations ("remote") by adopting standardized web technologies to guarantee a uniform and efficient data transfer. In the field of 3D modeling, new interaction and visualization techniques will support more effective and efficient teamwork within and between companies. Multitouch and pen-based inputs on large displays as well as the integration of mobile devices allow seamless group work at the same location or in distributed teams. By embedding an intuitive kinematics solver a virtual workshop is realized, in which several teams can build and join models, virtually test them and discuss results simultaneously. DisMoSim is an academic project without an industry partner. However, the project team is strongly interested in collaborations with companies so that the gained knowledge can be transferred into software suitable for industrial use.