Smart System
Encyclopedia
Smart systems are defined as miniaturized devices that incorporate functions of sensing, actuation and control. They are capable of describing and analyzing a situation, and taking decisions based on the available data in a predictive or adaptive manner, thereby performing smart actions. In most cases the “smartness” of the system can be attributed to autonomous operation based on closed loop control
, energy efficiency and networking capabilities.
A lot of smart systems evolved from microsystem
s. They combine technologies and components from Microsystems technology (miniaturized electric, mechanical, optical and fluidic devices) with knowledge, technology and functionality from other disciplines like biology, chemistry, nano sciences or cognitive sciences. Major application fields of smart systems are manufacturing technologies, medical technologies, automotive, aerospace, safety and security, logistics and ICT.
In an industrial context, and when emphasising the combination of components with the aim of merging their functional and technical abilities into an interoperable system, the term smart systems integration is used. This term reflects the industrial requirement and particular challenge of integrating different technologies, component sizes and materials into one system.
The systems approach calls for integrated design and manufacturing and has to bring together interdisciplinary technological approaches and solutions (converging technologies). Manufacturing companies as well as research institutes therefore face challenges in terms of specialised technological know-how, skilled labour, design tools and equipment needed for the research, design and manufacturing of integrated smart systems.
In terms of environmental challenges, smart solutions for energy management and distribution, smart control of electrical drives, smart logistics or energy-efficient facility management could, by 2020, reduce global emissions by 23%, with an equivalent of 9.2 Gt CO2e.
In the automotive sector, smart systems integration will be a key enabler for pre-crash systems and predictive driver assistance features to reach the goal of the Road Safety Action Plan to halve the number of traffic deaths by 2020. Furthermore, smart systems are considered fundamental for sustainable and energy-efficient mobility, e.g. hybrid and electric traction.
Smart systems also considerably contribute to the development of the future Internet of Things
, in that they provide smart functionality to everyday objects, e.g. to industrial goods in the supply chain, or to food products in the food supply chain. With the help of active RFID technology, wireless sensors, real-time sense and response capability, energy efficiency, as well as networking functionality, objects will become smart objects. In the vision of the Internet of Things these smart objects could support elderly and disabled people. The close tracking and monitoring of food products could improve food supply and food quality. Smart industrial goods could store information about their origin, destination, components and use. And waste disposal could become a truly efficient individual recycling process.
In the healthcare sector, smart systems technology leads to better diagnostic tools, to better treatment and quality of life for patients by simultaneously reducing costs of public healthcare systems. Key developments in this sector are smart miniaturized devices and artificial organs like artificial pancreas or artificial cochlea. Examples of smart devices are biochemical sensors that detect specific molecular markers in small amounts of body fluids or body tissue, Lab-on-Chip systems that include multiple functionalities such as sample taking, sample preparation and sample pre-treatment, data processing and storage, implantable systems which can be reabsorbed by the body after use, non-invasive sensors based on trans-dermal principles, or devices for responsive administration of medication. In healthcare the ability of smart systems to operate autonomously and within networks is also widely used, because those systems are able to provide real-time monitoring, diagnosis, interaction with other devices, and communication with the patient, physician or a wider network.
Control theory
Control theory is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering and mathematics that deals with the behavior of dynamical systems. The desired output of a system is called the reference...
, energy efficiency and networking capabilities.
Overview
Smart systems typically consist of diverse components, such as:- sensors for signal acquisition
- elements transmitting the information to the command and control unit
- command and control units that take decisions and give instructions based on the available information
- components transmitting decisions and instructions
- actuators that perform or trigger the required action
A lot of smart systems evolved from microsystem
Microsystem
Microsystem is the name commonly used in Europe to describe the same technology which goes under the name MEMS in the US. In Japan, this field is often termed micromachines....
s. They combine technologies and components from Microsystems technology (miniaturized electric, mechanical, optical and fluidic devices) with knowledge, technology and functionality from other disciplines like biology, chemistry, nano sciences or cognitive sciences. Major application fields of smart systems are manufacturing technologies, medical technologies, automotive, aerospace, safety and security, logistics and ICT.
In an industrial context, and when emphasising the combination of components with the aim of merging their functional and technical abilities into an interoperable system, the term smart systems integration is used. This term reflects the industrial requirement and particular challenge of integrating different technologies, component sizes and materials into one system.
Challenges
A major challenge in smart systems technology is the integration of a multitude of diverse components, developed and produced in very different technologies and materials. Focus is on the design and manufacturing of completely new marketable products and services for specialized applications (e.g. in medical technologies), and for mass market applications (e.g. in the automotive industries).The systems approach calls for integrated design and manufacturing and has to bring together interdisciplinary technological approaches and solutions (converging technologies). Manufacturing companies as well as research institutes therefore face challenges in terms of specialised technological know-how, skilled labour, design tools and equipment needed for the research, design and manufacturing of integrated smart systems.
Economic and societal relevance
Smart systems address environmental, societal and economic challenges like limited resources, climate change, aging population, and globalization. They are for that reason increasingly used in a large number of sectors. Key sectors in this context are transportation, healthcare, energy and environment, safety and security, logistics, ICT, and manufacturing.In terms of environmental challenges, smart solutions for energy management and distribution, smart control of electrical drives, smart logistics or energy-efficient facility management could, by 2020, reduce global emissions by 23%, with an equivalent of 9.2 Gt CO2e.
In the automotive sector, smart systems integration will be a key enabler for pre-crash systems and predictive driver assistance features to reach the goal of the Road Safety Action Plan to halve the number of traffic deaths by 2020. Furthermore, smart systems are considered fundamental for sustainable and energy-efficient mobility, e.g. hybrid and electric traction.
Smart systems also considerably contribute to the development of the future Internet of Things
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things refers to uniquely identifiable objects and their virtual representations in an Internet-like structure. The term Internet of Things was first used by Kevin Ashton in 1999. The concept of the Internet of Things first became popular through the Auto-ID Center and related...
, in that they provide smart functionality to everyday objects, e.g. to industrial goods in the supply chain, or to food products in the food supply chain. With the help of active RFID technology, wireless sensors, real-time sense and response capability, energy efficiency, as well as networking functionality, objects will become smart objects. In the vision of the Internet of Things these smart objects could support elderly and disabled people. The close tracking and monitoring of food products could improve food supply and food quality. Smart industrial goods could store information about their origin, destination, components and use. And waste disposal could become a truly efficient individual recycling process.
In the healthcare sector, smart systems technology leads to better diagnostic tools, to better treatment and quality of life for patients by simultaneously reducing costs of public healthcare systems. Key developments in this sector are smart miniaturized devices and artificial organs like artificial pancreas or artificial cochlea. Examples of smart devices are biochemical sensors that detect specific molecular markers in small amounts of body fluids or body tissue, Lab-on-Chip systems that include multiple functionalities such as sample taking, sample preparation and sample pre-treatment, data processing and storage, implantable systems which can be reabsorbed by the body after use, non-invasive sensors based on trans-dermal principles, or devices for responsive administration of medication. In healthcare the ability of smart systems to operate autonomously and within networks is also widely used, because those systems are able to provide real-time monitoring, diagnosis, interaction with other devices, and communication with the patient, physician or a wider network.
Examples
Today, there are prototypes of smart systems as well as smart systems that have reached the state of commercial products. In this context, three generations of smart systems can be distinguished. Examples of 1st generation smart systems are object recognition devices, driver status monitoring systems and multifunctional devices for minimal invasive surgery. 2nd generation smart systems include active miniaturised artificial organs like artificial cochlea or artificial pancreas, advanced energy management systems, and environmental sensor networks. 3rd generation smart systems will combine technical “intelligence” and cognitive functions. In the context of the “Internet of Things” they will provide the indispensable interface between the virtual and the physical world.Further reading
- Akhras, G.: Smart Materials and Smart Systems for the future, Canadian Military Journal, 08/2000 http://www.journal.forces.gc.ca/vo1/no3/doc/25-32-eng.pdf
- European Commission ICT Work Programme 2007-08 [ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/ict/docs/ict-wp-2007-08_en.pdf]
- European Commission ICT Work Programme 2009-10 [ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/ict/docs/ict-wp-2009-10_en.pdf]
- Gessner, T.: Smart Systems Integration 2008, VDE Verlag, Berlin 2008
- Gessner, T.: Smart Systems Integration 2007, VDE Verlag, Berlin 2007
- Meyer, G. et al.: Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications 2009 - Smart Systems for Safety, Sustainability and Comfort, Springer 2009
- Internet-of-Things in 2020 – A roadmap for the future, 2008 http://www.smart-systems-integration.org/public/electric-vehicle/documents/strategy_paper
- Strategy Paper “Smart Systems for the Full Electric Vehicle”, 2008 http://www.smart-systems-integration.org/public/electric-vehicle/related-documents/strategy_paper.pdf
- Varadan, V. K.: Handbook of Smart Systems and Materials, Inst Of Physics Pub, London 2005
- Wadhawan, V. K.: Smart Structures, Oxford University Press 2005
External links
- http://www.smartsystem.fr SmartSystem organisation
- The European Technology Platform on Smart Systems Integration (EPoSS)
- Exhibition of demonstrators of Smart Systems and their components
- EPoSS Strategic Research Agenda 2009
- Smart Systems Integration 2009 - European Conference and Exhibition
- Smart Systems for Green Cars and Safe Mobility – 14th International Forum on Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications (AMAA 2010)