Systematic approaches for sensor selection and integration – A systematic literature review

Abstract

The continuous trend towards digitalization of products and processes in mechanical engineering requires an ever-increasing amount of sensor data. In order to acquire this data, sensory functions must be integrated into products and processes. This integration of sensory functions does not only include the actual sensor integration but also the preceding sensor selection as well as other supporting steps. It takes place in the field of tension between mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology. In order to analyse which systematic approaches and tools are available for developers and which topics are covered in current research, a systematic review of literature is conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. It is found that only a few systematic approaches and tools for sensor selection and integration are described in literature. Furthermore, there seems to be no uniform understanding of terms in this context. These results contribute to the identification of research gaps in the field of systematic approaches and tools for the integration of sensory functions.