Simulation of a Cyber-Physical Lifecycle System Based on a Blockchain Platform

Product lifecycle management plays a crucial role in establishing resource circulation systems based on artifact stocks accumulated in society. However, given the involvement of diverse stakeholders, managing the complex circular systems of a product lifecycle requires advanced digital technologies. The concept of a cyber-physical lifecycle system (CPLS) is proposed in this paper. CPLS constructs the digital twin of a product lifecycle to be managed. The digital model in the cyberspace is used for analysis, simulation, and reconfiguration of the lifecycle based on real data acquired from the physical space of the CPLS. In this research, we introduce blockchain technology in the CPLS to aggregate information on target products and processes from each stakeholder involved in the lifecycle. To support decision-making in lifecycle management, a life cycle simulation (LCS) is conducted in the cyberspace of the CPLS based on the acquired data through blockchain. Subsequently, decisions are made based on the simulation results to increase the profit of each stakeholder and minimize the environmental loads of the entire lifecycle. In a case study focusing on the life cycle management of electric motors, we conducted a simulation-based analysis on the prototype of CPLS. A twin-experiment for the case showed the effectiveness of production management using the CPLS from economic and environmental perspectives.