Introduction of an Assistance System to Support Domain Experts in Programming Low-code to Leverage Industry 5.0

TL;DR

This paper presents an assistance system for low-code platforms that supports domain experts in developing complex automation software efficiently, leveraging data mining and static analysis to improve usability and reduce complexity.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel assistance system for low-code platforms that combines data mining and static code analysis to aid domain experts in programming complex systems for Industry 5.0.

Findings

Improved user experience in low-code programming for hydraulic systems.

Reduced complexity and enhanced maintainability of visual programs.

Positive feedback from user study and industrial workshop.

Abstract

The rapid technological leaps of Industry 4.0 increase the pressure and demands on humans working in automation, which is one of the main motivators of Industry 5.0. In particular, automation software development for mechatronic systems becomes increasingly challenging, as both domain knowledge and programming skills are required for high-quality, maintainable software. Especially for small companies from automation and robotics without dedicated software engineering departments, domain-specific low-code platforms become indispensable that enable domain experts to develop code intuitively using visual programming languages, e.g., for tasks such as retrofitting mobile machines. However, for extensive functionalities, visual programs may become overwhelming due to the scaling-up problem. In addition, the ever-shortening time-to-market increases the time pressure on programmers. Thus, an assistance system concept is introduced that can be implemented by low-code platform suppliers based on combining data mining and static code analysis. Domain experts are supported in developing low-code by targeted recommendations, metric-based complexity measurement, and reducing complexity by encapsulating functionalities. The concept is implemented for the industrial low-code platform HAWE eDesign to program hydraulic components in mobile machines, and its benefits are confirmed in a user study and an industrial expert workshop.