Industrial plants are highly complex socio-technical systems with nested dependencies and dynamic interconnections. The challenge lies not only in the technical mapping, but also in the holistic modeling of their structural and functional hierarchies. Central aspects of complexity include:

• Multiple levels of components, subsystems and aggregated systems
• Context-dependent relationship dynamics between technical elements
• Different levels of granularity of system representation
• Variability of configuration and operating states

GOALS

Scientifically, the work aims to examine reference models that capture the hierarchical and functional relationships of technical systems. Existing modeling approaches are critically analyzed and their limitations systematically identified. The focus is on the conception of novel methods that enable semantic links between different system levels. Technically, strategies are developed that allow complex system topologies to be
in their different domains (network, physical, logical, ...). The development of flexible referencing mechanisms should enable context-sensitive and adaptive modeling that takes into account both static structures and dynamic system states.

HELPFUL PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

• Great interest in digital twins and information models
• Programming skills (Go/Python/Rust/...) and an enjoyment of software development
• Contents of the lecture Cyber-Physical Production Systems