Automation and Digitization of the Material Selection Process for Ecodesign

The research presented in this article focuses on the concept of Industry 4.0 developed in Poland and across the world. This concept applies, among others, to the broadly understood automation of processing, digitization and exchange of large volumes of data in production processes. It covers not only the manufacturing process, but the entire life cycle of the product. It applies to those areas of organization functioning, which are supported by intelligent systems facilitating decision making and automation that improves work efficiency. The method presented in the article automates the selection process of materials and connections at the product design stage, taking into account the recyclability aspects. It is an extension of earlier research by the authors in this area. The developed method has been extended with further parameters describing the properties of materials that are necessary when selecting appropriate construction materials at recycling-oriented product design stage. The method was developed with the use of the decision tree induction method for selecting environmentally friendly materials and connections allowing for high level of product recyclability. The method is a practical solution supporting ecodesign (at the stage of both construction and technology design). Thanks to the developed method, the material and material selection data are digitized and stored in the expert system.