Development of a methodology for the agile development of mechatronic systems

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Albert Albers; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Kristin Paetzold-Byhain
• Subject Area: Engineering Design, Machine Elements, Product Development
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 504498009

The overall goal of the research project is to develop a methodology for the agile development of mechatronic systems. The basis for this methodology is the derivation of a generic process model that consists of process-related elements such as phases, milestones and sprints to support the strategic level in product development. In addition to these strategic elements, a collection of methods and practices of plan-driven and agile procedures is being developed to support the operative level in product development. Furthermore, the interfaces between the strategic and the operational level are described. With the goal of extracting use case-specific agile development methods, an access system will also be developed in order to select a suitable combination of elements on the strategic as well as on the operative level and to unite them in a holistic, individual agile method. The scientific basis is on the one hand the taxonomy for the classification of agile development approaches and on the other hand the approach of ASD - Agile Systems Design. In the project a scientific basis is created regarding the requirements for agile elements in processes of the development of mechatronic systems as well as regarding the underlying mechanisms. One goal is to increase the responsiveness of organizational units in manufacturing companies through the targeted use of situation- and demand-oriented methodical elements from both plan-driven and agile product development. In this way, the development processes used in the respective organization are extended by suitable agile elements without causing a conflict to existing structures and constraints. For this purpose, a scientific basis regarding the risks that the introduction of agile elements entails is established and measures for dealing with these risks are defined. The research project thus creates the basis for further research projects in the area of agile product development processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants