Sensor fusion control system for computer integrated manufacturing

 

 

C.M. Kumile^I; G. Bright^II

^IDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa kumilecm@tut.ac.za
^IISchool of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa brightg@ukzn.ac.za

 

 

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ABSTRACT

Manufacturing companies of today face unpredictable, high frequency market changes driven by global competition. To stay competitive, these companies must have the characteristics of cost-effective rapid response to the market needs. As an engineering discipline, mechatronics strives to integrate mechanical, electronic, and computer systems optimally in order to create high precision products and manufacturing processes. This paper presents a methodology of increasing flexibility and reusability of a generic computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) cell-control system using simulation and modelling of mechatronic sensory system (MSS) concepts. The utilisation of sensors within the CIM cell is highlighted specifically for data acquisition, analysis, and multi-sensor data fusion. Thus the designed reference architecture provides comprehensive insight for the functions and methodologies of a generic shop-floor control system (SFCS), which consequently enables the rapid deployment of a flexible system.

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OPSOMMING

Hedendaagse vervaardigingsondernemings ervaar gereeld onvoorspelbare markveranderinge wat aangedryf word deur wêreldwye mededinging. Om kompeterend te bly moet hierdie ondernemings die eienskappe van kosteeffektiwiteit en snelle-respons op markfluktuasies toon. Megatronika streef daarna om meganiese, elektroniese en rekenaarstelsels optimaal te integreer om hoëpresisieprodukte en produksieprosesse daar te stel. Hierdie artikel suggereer 'n metodologie vir toenemende aanpasbaarheid en herbruikbaarheid van 'n generiese rekenaargeïntegreerde vervaardigingsel-beheersisteem deur die gebruik van simulasie en die modellering van megatroniese sensorsisteemkonsepte. Die aanwending van sensors binne die sel fasiliteer datavaslegging, ontleding en multi-sensordatafusie. Sodoende verskaf die ontwerpte argitektuur insig in die funksie en metodologie van 'n generiese stukwerkwinkelbeheersisteem wat die vinnige ontplooiing van 'n aanpasbare sisteem moontlik maak.

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1 The author is enrolled for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of KwaZulu Natal.