Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1523825
JULY 2024 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 33 that the other has the latest content to ensure that product development progresses in a syn- chronized way. e most successful organizations tend to take a model-based design approach. Model- based design transforms the systems engi- neering approach from document-centric to model-centric. System engineers develop models of the system instead of documents, thus enabling the most accurate and compre- hensive digital twin. e model-based design methodology also supports concurrent electronics PCB and mechanical design. is is an integrated approach to design and verification that elimi- nates redundancy and rework across design disciplines. It helps reduce design iterations through product validation in the virtual domain instead of waiting for physical proto- types. Reducing physical prototypes has a dra- matic effect on cost and development cycle time. Mechanical and electronics co-design is an integrated approach to electronic systems and product design that helps speed product development by getting electromechanical projects right the first time. Efficient collabo- ration between ECAD and MCAD domains enables both to optimize their electronics designs within tight form-factor constraints while still meeting quality, reliability, and per- formance requirements. DESIGN007 Stephen V. Chavez is principal technical product marketing manager with Siemens EDA and chairman of PCEA. Robotic food could reduce electronic waste, help deliver nutrition and medicines to people and ani- mals in need, monitor health, and even pave the way to novel gastronomical experiences. In the perspective article, RoboFood, authors analyse which edible ingredients can be used to make edible robot parts and whole robots, and dis- cuss the challenges of making them. "We are still figuring out which edible materials work similarly to non-edible ones," says Floreano. For example, gela- tine can replace rubber, a chocolate film can protect robots in humid environments, and mixing starch and tannin can mimic commercial glues. "There is a lot of research on single edible components like actuators, sen- sors, and batteries," says Bokeon Kwak, a postdoc in the group of Floreano and one of the authors. In 2017, EPFL scien- tists successfully produced an edible gripper, a gelatine-made structure that could handle an apple and be eaten afterward. EPFL, IIT, and the University of Bristol recently developed a new conductive ink that can be sprayed on food to sense its growth. The ink con- tains activated carbon as a conductor, while Haribo gummy bears are used as a binder. Two edible bat- teries connected in series can power a light-emitting diode for about 10 minutes. "But the biggest technical challenge is putting together the parts that use electricity to function, like batteries and sensors, with those that use fluids and pressure to move, like actuators," says Kwak. After integrating all components, scientists need to miniaturise them, increase the shelf life of robotic food… and give robots a pleasant taste. (Source: EPFL) Robots Au Chocolat for Dessert?