Information Models for Digital Representations

At the core of any digital model, simulation, interface or digital twin sits the information model that links it to the object it describes. In the wake of digitization and with the rising popularity of Industry 4.0, there is a growing need to increase the interoperability of applications by having them work with unified information models. These initiatives of unification can be found, for example, in the management shell of Industrie 4.0 or the structured data transmission of OPC UA. Increased interoperability means less redundant work, improved communication, and breaking down data silos that limit cross-system processing.

However, not every information model is the same. There is a tension between the quality of an information model, which typically requires a complex model, and the usefulness of the information model. In addition, the collection or processing of certain data may not be useful, not economical, or not legal.

In my research I dedicate myself to information models in application. This is currently done through use cases with industry partners whose domain has an intrinsic complexity that has so far prevented "easy" adoption of the state of the art.