Apparatus and method for drive selection using machine learning

A computer-implemented method of training an artificial intelligence module, AI module, for selecting at least one component of an industrial drive system, the method comprising:

• providing, on data storage, an initial training data set comprising a set of rules, wherein each rule is indicative of a selection decision for selecting at least one component of the industrial drive system based on at least one usage requirement for the industrial drive system;
• generating a modified training data set based on supplementing the initial training data set with at least one further selection decision for selecting the at least one component of the drive system based on at least one of simulation data relating to a simulation of at least a part of the drive system, empiric data relating to a selection of the at least one component, and operational data indicative of at least one operational characteristic of at least one installed industrial drive system;
• and
• training the AI module based on the modified training data set.