the methodology employed, and Section 4 discusses
the results and identifies challenges and opportunities
for further enhancement of AI-based FM automation.
2 BACKGROUND
The integration of AI into Model-Based Systems
Engineering (MBSE) has garnered significant
attention in recent years, aiming to enhance system
design, analysis, and decision-making processes
(Schneider et al., 2022). AI's capabilities in handling
complex datasets and automating intricate tasks align
seamlessly with the objectives of MBSE, which
focuses on using models to support system
requirements, design, analysis, verification, and
validation activities throughout the system lifecycle.
Recent studies have explored various AI
applications within MBSE. For instance, AI-based
assistants have been developed to support MBSE
adoption in practice, providing an overview of
existing and potential application areas for AI in
MBSE (Anacker et al., 2024). These assistants can
augment human decision-making and improve the
overall efficiency of the MBSE process. Machine
learning algorithms, in particular, have been applied
to analyze large amounts of data generated during
system development, offering insights that can
optimize system design and performance (Visure
Solutions, 2023).
The convergence of MBSE and AI has also been
recognized as a platform for unlocking the power of
systems thinking throughout systems design,
increasing the ability to manage disruptive and
emergent system behaviors. Generative AI tools, such
as large language models, are impacting the systems
engineering lifecycle, serving as platforms for
innovation and understanding through model-based
systems engineering standardization and artificial
intelligence (Aerospace America, 2023).
Concerning feature modeling, AI-driven
approaches have demonstrated significant potential.
Feature models are essential in representing
variability and commonality within software product
lines, facilitating the configuration of diverse system
variants from a shared set of features. The integration
of AI methods with feature modeling has been
explored to enhance design, analysis, and application
processes (Lopez-Herrejon et al., 2023). An open
access book provides a basic introduction to feature
modeling and analysis, as well as the integration of
AI methods with feature modeling, serving as an
introduction for researchers and practitioners new to
the field (Felfernig et al., 2024). AI-driven
approaches, particularly those utilizing machine
learning and recommender systems, have shown great
promise in feature modeling. These approaches assist
human decision-making during the analysis phase,
effectively detecting anomalies, proposing solutions,
and generating configurations that satisfy a given set
of constraints. Such methods can significantly reduce
manual effort while improving the reliability of the
models. For example, AI can assist in anomaly
detection, solver support for satisfiability checking,
and the generation of consistent configurations.
Although full automation in modeling is challenging
due to the need for human oversight, AI's role in
analysis and validation is particularly noteworthy
(Sundermann et al., 2024). In this context, the focus
is on AI's application to the modeling and analysis
phases, rather than configuration generation.
Furthermore, AI aspects such as knowledge
representation, reasoning, explainable AI, and
machine learning have been linked to feature model-
related tasks, including modeling, analysis, and
configurators. This linkage underscores AI's potential
in automating model generation and analysis,
enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of feature
modeling processes (Felfernig et al., 2024).
In summary, the integration of AI into MBSE and
feature modeling presents a promising avenue for
enhancing system engineering processes. AI-driven
approaches can automate and improve various
aspects of modeling and analysis, leading to more
efficient and reliable system development. As
research and development in this area continue to
evolve, the collaboration between AI and MBSE is
expected to yield innovative solutions to complex
engineering challenges.
3 METHODOLOGY
Our methodology utilized the Feature IDE tool, an
open academic software platform for feature
modeling. We integrated an NLP-based AI model,
specifically ChatGPT, to automate the generation of
feature models. The technology already exists, and
the goal was not to create something new but to make
effective use of it. It wasn’t just about using ChatGPT
directly; instead, we provided ChatGPT with our
specific modeling approach. The aim was to use
ChatGPT to connect the answers to the questions and
leverage its existing capabilities to formalize the
entire process. The process involved:
Formulating Variability: Variability was
described based on the input provided by subsystem
owners and the feature descriptions in our previous