Models, modeling and model-based systems in the era of computers, machine learning and AI

Models, representing a system under study with respect to problems such as process design, process control, product synthesis and many more, are at the core of most computer-aided solution techniques. The representation of a system through a model is done in different ways, such as, symbols, data, mathematical equations, and/or some combination of these. The workflow or process of creating a proxy mathematical representation (model) of a given target system is referred to as modeling. Model-based software tools incorporate the developed models within the steps of their systematic workflow through simultaneous or decomposed solution strategies related to synthesis, design, analysis, etc., of specific systems. In this perspective paper we highlight the various ways systems can be represented by models, the different ways the required models are developed through modeling techniques, and examples of model-based software tools developed to solve different process and product engineering problems. Two types of systems - process systems and chemical systems, are considered. Important issues and challenges are highlighted and perspectives on how they can be addressed are presented.