How can you design a machine that is future-proof?

Future-proofing is the process of designing a machine that can adapt to changing needs, technologies, and environments. It is a challenge for engineering design, as it requires balancing current performance, cost, and reliability with future possibilities, risks, and opportunities. In this article, you will learn some principles and practices that can help you design a machine that is future-proof.

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1 Define the problem

The first step in designing a future-proof machine is to define the problem that the machine is intended to solve, both now and in the future. You need to identify the needs, requirements, and constraints of the users, customers, and stakeholders, as well as the context and conditions of the machine operation. You also need to anticipate how the problem might evolve or change over time, and what new challenges or opportunities might arise.

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Henk-Jan Scholman

A Different View on Engineering @IDECI | Lecturer Mechatronics @Saxion
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The system development process for future-proof machines is no different than for any other system. The difference lies in the choice of non-functional qualities of the system; the so called ‘itilities’. For a future-proof system emphasis must lie on scalability, adaptability, flexibility. This often translates into modularity.

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2 Explore the solutions

The next step is to explore the possible solutions that can address the problem, both existing and emerging. You need to research the state-of-the-art technologies, methods, and materials that can enable the machine functions, features, and performance. You also need to explore the alternative or complementary solutions that can offer different benefits, trade-offs, or innovations. You should aim to generate a diverse and creative range of solutions that can meet the current and future needs.

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Henk-Jan Scholman

A Different View on Engineering @IDECI | Lecturer Mechatronics @Saxion
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When exploring possible solutions and concepts one must take into account: technical feasibility: innovation can only be achieved by taking a technical risk. Technical risks always translate to financial and planning (time-to-market) risks. The chosen concept must balance between proven and innovative technology. maturity of the chosen technology; end-of-life but proven technology will become outdated sooner and is therefore not so future proof Early-adopter technology might not become a (de-facto) industry standard and for that reason hard to support in the near future Relative new technology based on a widely accepted industry standard is most future proof

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3 Evaluate the options

The third step is to evaluate the options that you have generated, and select the best one for your machine design. You need to apply criteria and metrics that can measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and feasibility of each option. You also need to consider the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that might affect the outcomes. You should aim to choose an option that can deliver the optimal value, quality, and sustainability for your machine.

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4 Implement the design

The fourth step is to implement the design that you have selected, and build a prototype or a model of your machine. You need to follow the engineering design standards, guidelines, and best practices that can ensure the safety, reliability, and functionality of your machine. You also need to test, validate, and verify your machine against the specifications, expectations, and feedback that you have defined. You should aim to produce a machine that can perform well, satisfy the users, and solve the problem.

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5 Monitor the results

The fifth step is to monitor the results that your machine produces, and collect data and information that can measure its performance, impact, and satisfaction. You need to use tools and methods that can track, analyze, and report the key indicators, metrics, and outcomes that you have identified. You also need to compare the results with the baseline, benchmarks, and goals that you have set. You should aim to evaluate the success, failure, and improvement of your machine.

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6 Update the design

The sixth and final step is to update the design of your machine, and make changes or modifications that can enhance its future-proofing. You need to use the data and information that you have collected, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that your machine faces. You also need to incorporate the feedback, suggestions, and requests that you have received from the users, customers, and stakeholders. You should aim to optimize, innovate, and adapt your machine to the changing needs, technologies, and environments.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you design a machine that is future-proof?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Define the problem

2 Explore the solutions

3 Evaluate the options

4 Implement the design

5 Monitor the results

6 Update the design

7 Here’s what else to consider

Engineering Design

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How can you design a machine that is future-proof?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define the problem

2 Explore the solutions

3 Evaluate the options

4 Implement the design

5 Monitor the results

6 Update the design

7 Here’s what else to consider

Engineering Design

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