Robust Reliability or reliable robustness? - Integrated consideration of robustness and reliability aspects

Commonly, the terms reliability and robustness are used to describe products and processes, which are in accordance with the customer requirements and fulfil high quality expectations. However, significant differences between the underlying definitions raise the questions how reliable robust products are and vice versa.

For a comprehensive understanding and to use existing synergies between both domains, this paper discusses the basic principles of Reliability- and Robust Design theory. The development of a comprehensive model will enable an integrated consideration of both domains in the future, will offer guidance for a systematic choice of corresponding methods and is thus aiming to pave the way for future research.