Aims & Learning Objectives:
To develop an understanding of the use and benefits of modelling and simulation in manufacturing systems design and operation. To teach the students the building blocks of automation and how to apply these in the design of robotic and automated systems. To examine the advanced and technical aspects of current automation technology.
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
Model and simulate the operation of a small manufacturing system. Use simulation as a manufacturing system design technique. Justify the use of manufacturing modelling and simulation. Understand the techniques required for the specification of robotic and automated cells. Appreciate the use of sensing (including vision) in advanced robot control. Undertake a cost evaluation for proposed systems and be able to recommend hard or flexible automation. Specify the safety requirements within an automated environment. Examine design for automated assembly.
Content:
MODELLING & SIMULATION: Definitions. types of models. Modelling methodologies. Validation and Verification. Justification, benefits and uses of simulation. MODELLING MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS: Discrete event and continuous approaches to simulation. Discrete event computer languages. Visually interactive simulation. Use of mathematical and statistical models, distributions and random numbers, queuing models and inventory systems. Modelling breakdowns, conveyors, work flow and tool flow. Utilisation statistics. Model verification and validation. Simulation of manufacturing systems. MODELLING PRODUCTS: Geometric models. Product data models. Neutral formats and data exchange. API for manufacturing software libraries. INFORMATION MODELS: Information flows within manufacture. Levels of detail. IDEF models. Automation Peripherals (eg: Vibratory bowl feeders). Sensors (eg: limit switches, proximity switches, photoelectric sensors). Robot Sensing & Machine Vision. Grippers & Tooling. Hard V's Flexible Automation. Robot Control. Safety. Applications (eg: Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceutical & Electronics). Mobile Robots. Current Research Advancements.
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