Virtual components
The industrial application of the ESTOMAD methodology is feasible only if the time and effort needed to develop a reliable Energetic Virtual Prototype are compatible with current product development, which can be very fast, especially for customized production in small-medium enterprises. Since machine productivity, eco-performance and cost are all strongly influenced by the commercial components employed (e.g. motors, sensors, controllers, transmissions, guide ways, …), their numerical models must be available. It is not, however, realistic to expect them to be developed by the machinery builders themselves. ESTOMAD proposes a “co-modeling” approach, coordinated by CNR-ITIA and involving component and subsystem manufacturers in the modeling process: component suppliers furnish, together with their Physical Components, the corresponding Virtual Components, adopting a business model already applied in automotive and military fields. Virtual Component services constitute a powerful added value for European suppliers, advancing in the direction of a knowledge-based economy.
More details can be found in this leaflet.
ESTOMAD is looking for other industrial suppliers interested in promoting eco-efficient solutions through a Virtual Component approach to the co-modeling of components with their customers. If you want to get involved in the Virtual Component approach, you can contact us at:
VirtualComponents@estomad.org
The aspect of virtual components has also been addressed here.