Resumen
This article focuses on an approach to engineering automation often referred as knowledge-based engineering (KBE). KBE systems are based on a form of attribute grammar that is designed for capturing the "engineering rules" representing the mechanical design process followed by engineers. The underlying technology is often referred to as generative since the execution of the engineering rules will generate a dynamic object model that represents all the views of particular design necessary to produce the device. KBE technology uses dynamic object modeling to quickly build engineering automation systems that have a big impact on the design process. The ability to build a system which contains the views necessary to evaluate the design is critical to success. In addition, the dynamic nature of the resulting model provides engineers with a tool to study alternatives and find the best solution in the design space. The rich semantics of a KBE system provide a better mapping of the functional nature of a design process to the physical characteristics of each device. The fundamental benefits result in an order-of-magnitude reduction in the time required to produce a new design of higher quality.