In the development of new products a significant amount of time is spent on producing different types of documents and physical prototypes. Recent technological advances in the areas of modelling, co-simulation, machine learning and digital twins can lead to powerful frameworks and tools enabling model-based design and development with virtual analysis and possibilities of experiencing the new product before it exists. The intension is to make it possible to lower the time from original ideas for products to the release of the product to market while full traceability and collaboration with suppliers is kept during its development. Simulation of changes of design alternatives for products will be included in this PhD project, also from a sustainability perspective. Finally, it is envisaged that ideas for services derived from a digital twin capability will be identified.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aarhus University invites applications for a fully-funded PhD scholarship. This PhD project is funded by close collaboration with Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality targeting a digital transformation of some of the companies in the area. As a part of this transformation a local Digital Transformation Lab is established and this will be used for the experimental parts of this PhD project. The Digital Transformation Lab will be key in ensuring the best exchange of research-based knowledge from the university with practice-based knowledge at local companies.