Co-Creation-Based Framework for the Agile Development of AI-Supported CAM Systems

Abstract

Digital transformation processes in the course of industry 4.0 affect computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) in two ways: The acceleration of production and innovation cycles shortens the time to carry out CAM-planning tasks; simultaneously, an increasing product individualization raises the complexity of CAM-planning tasks and quality requirements for the planning results. Thus, CAM users need to solve complex CAM-planning tasks in increasingly shorter time frames. Efforts to meet the quality requirements nonetheless lead to overload and frustration of the user [1], [2]. To overcome this challenge, the R&D project CAM2030 aims to develop a new generation of CAM systems that integrates innovative technologies (artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and evolutionary algorithms) to make CAM-planning processes more efficient for the CAM planner. The innovation process requires a novel methodology that involves the stakeholders’ different perspectives, esp. the users’ preferences and needs, and brings them into compliance. This paper presents a co-creation-based framework for the agile development of AI-supported system components. The framework intends to continuously support the innovation process of complex software systems in a highly interdisciplinary team working collaboratively under remote conditions. The framework was developed successively in line with the project’s progress over two years. The resulting framework describes a multi-level and partly iterative approach that covers the following stages of the innovation process: (i) the elicitation, specification, and prioritization of requirements for AI-supported CAM systems, their user interface, and CAM user training; (ii) the design of an interactive prototype for selected parts of the user interface; (iii) the prototype testing; and (iv) the iteration of (i) to (iii) as well as the refinement of their output. The approach applies and adapts co-creation methods for use in online workshops. The research activities focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of the single workshop concepts, partly complemented by studies investigating topics such as user expectations and requirements concerning new features and the system introduction. The main characteristics of the workshops are their interdisciplinary composition of participants, their conduction under remote conditions, and the mix of methods and tools to support collaboration in each stage of the innovation process [3], [4].The framework application shows a high potential to support the development of AI-supported CAM systems in creating a shared vision of the individual stages of the innovation and the innovation process as a whole. The framework helps to: (i) understand and reflect the user’s needs and preferences, (ii) align different and partly controversial perspectives, and (iii) identify and overcome sticking points of the system development. The project shows that the innovation and development process benefits from the active involvement of end users (workers and companies), the continuity of interdisciplinary exchange, and iterative testing. Limitations arise from the restricted application scope of the framework (innovating automated CAM system components for the CAM parameter optimization by well-educated CAM planners in German SMEs). Future research should consider the reconciliation of innovation processes with day-to-day business in manufacturing companies and the framework’s transferability to other application contexts. Acknowledgments: This research and development project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the “Innovations for Tomorrow’s Production, Services, and Work” Program (funding number: 02J19B081) and implemented by the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA). The authors are responsible for the content of this publication.