Abstract
Stimulated by the global environmental issues, needs for a new manufacturing paradigm areincreasing. Such a new manufacturing paradigm should drastically reduce materials and energyconsumptions, while maintaining quality of life, product quality, and corporate profits. To investigate the feasibility of such a manufacturing paradigm, life cycle design is an indispensable tool.This article overviews the concepts of “life cycle simulation (LCS) systems”that are currentlydeveloped by various researchers. Case studies using the LCS system illustrate the possibility ofproduct life cycles that can reduce environmental loads while keeping corporate profits. LCS is alsouseful to consider product architecture as well as business strategies.
