The researchers from four Fraunhofer Institutes said the technology adds new functionalities to digital product development. They said functional DMU has enabled scientists to create a virtual product that can simulate the complex interaction between electrical and mechanical -- mechatronic -- components.

While computer-supported test models have become part of everyday production activities, not all process chain components can be simulated, said Andre Stork of the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics in Darmstadt, Germany.

"The DMU is a virtual model that represents a product's structure and geometry. DMU is today's standard in virtual product development," he said. "With the help of various software packages, Functional DMU can simulate a mechatronic product's software-related components, as well as its electronic and mechanical components."

The researchers presented a model of their work earlier this month during the Hanover Messe international trade fair.