Generative Design In Factory Layout Planning: An Application Of Evolutionary Computing Within The Creation Of Production Logistic Concepts

This paper describes the creation and application of a generative design approach in the production logistics layout concept creation as part of factory planning projects. Production systems evermore are influenced by an increase of product variants during the planning stages as well as shorter replanning cycles due to higher agility requirements to the production system. Thus, requiring the planner to more frequently conduct the highly complex planning procedure of creating layout concepts for the material supply within the assembly line. Currently, mathematical or graphical assignment methods are executed but are often used disjunct and are not used jointly. Furthermore, today’s planning methods are mainly based on manual planning and assignment activities. To address the aforementioned issues, this paper elaborates the application and usability of generative design methods for production logistics planning. As first step the scope and requirements definition for the new production logistics layout application is conducted. Afterwards, generative design, including a multi-objective genetic algorithm, is used to serve as a solution to compile and search through the high-dimensional solution space of all possible logistic layout concepts. Here, layout restrictions and production goals, such as cost and time savings, are reconciled. After the design creation and evaluation by the algorithm, the planner overviews the results and enhances the design parameters until a final concept is reached. This paper concludes with a SWOT analysis of the new planning approach to investigate the used methods, evaluate the impact of the approach on planner’s work and identify additional research potentials of using the generative design for other factory planning domains

Computational tasks in robotics and factory automation

The design of Manufacturing Planning and Control Systems (MPCSs) — systems that negotiate with Customers and Suppliers to exchange products in return for money in order to generate profit, is discussed.\ud \ud The computational task of MPCS components are systematically specified as a starting point for the development of computational engines, as computer systems and programs, that execute the specified computation. Key issues are the overwhelming complexity and frequently changing application of MPCSs

Generative AI in Manufacturing Systems:Reference Framework and Use Cases

This paper aims to enhance the competitive edge of manufacturers through increased efficiency, propelled by digitalization and the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications. A key focus is on Generative AI, a growing topic of discussion in the AI domain. However, a common definition for Generative AI within the context of manufacturing systems is lacking. This paper seeks to establish a clear definition for Generative AI in manufacturing systems, and subsequently structures potential application fields and objectives within a GenAI reference framework. In this context, a framework is proposed to characterize use cases within manufacturing systems, providing crucial guidance for manufacturers looking to leverage Generative AI. The theoretical background explores the definition of manufacturing systems and the intersection between data analytics and AI. Furthermore, the paper discusses varying definitions of Generative AI, and derives a definition suitable for manufacturing systems.</p

Urban identity through quantifiable spatial attributes: coherence and dispersion of local identity through the automated comparative analysis of building block plans

This analysis investigates whether and to what degree quantifiable spatial attrib-utes, as expressed in plan representations, can capture elements related to the ex-perience of spatial identity. By combining different methods of shape and spatial analysis it attempts to quantify spatial attributes, predominantly derived from plans, in order to illustrate patterns of interrelations between spaces through an ob-jective automated process. The study focuses on the scale of the urban block as the basic modular unit for the formation of urban configurations and the issue of spa-tial identity is perceived through consistency and differentiation within and amongst urban neighbourhoods

Artificial Intelligence in Factory Planning

The vision of factory planning at the push of a button remains largely unrealized, as the industry continues to rely on traditional methods. Despite significant research and development in digital factory planning, the practical application of dedicated tools face substantial challenges. High training demands, licensing costs, and uncertain cost-benefit ratios hinder the adoption of these tools, which remain underutilized in everyday practice. This paper explores the current state of digital factory planning, addressing the barriers and concerns associated with these technologies. It highlights examples of AI-based applications from other domains that could soon assist factory planners as intelligent support systems. By reducing costs and improving usability, the integration of AI tools from non-factory contexts into Factory Planning has the potential to significantly enhance planning efficiency and quality for example in the electrolyzer production. The ultimate goal is to make the promise of digital Factory Planning a reality through concrete, AI-driven solutions

Model Factory for Additive Manufacturing of Mechatronic Products: Interconnecting World-class Technology Partnerships with Leading AM Players

AbstractThe additive manufacturing (AM) model factory's aim is to establish a leading-edge learning academy for the digital and generative production of innovative mechatronic products, where the complete value chain is integrated on a single site. Short courses and deep dives enable easier access to the state of the art technologies and increase the awareness for their potentials. Anchored in key industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical by major OEMs and regional SMEs, the AM model factory cooperates with world-class partners and leading market players. This paper displays the model factory's setup, selected technologies, exemplary courses, and benefits

How management innovation happens

Management innovation — that is, the implementation of new management practices, processes and structures that represent a significant departure from current norms — has over time dramatically transformed the way many functions and activities work in organizations. Many of the practices, processes and structures that we see in modern business organizations were developed during the last 150 years by the creative efforts of management innovators. Those innovators have included well-known names like Alfred P. Sloan and Frederick Taylor, as well as numerous other unheralded individuals and small groups of people who all sought to improve the internal workings of organizations by trying something new

'Cette autre nécessité essentielle: 'l'urbanisation': electrification and the Urbanisation of the Nebular City

The advent of modern utility systems together with improved transport infrastructures and information technologies introduced new spatial arrangements and temporalities in the territory. In time, these reveal a notion of urbanisation that does not only takes place in or directly adjacent to the traditional (territorially bounded) city, but in which co-evolving processes lead to differentiated territorial arrangements. Belgium’s distributed urban condition – the ‘nebular city’ – emerged out of the interplay of such multiple territorial arrangements. Often, it is explained by a historical roots in policies of industrial dispersal, while historical efforts to actively accommodate and organise the territory from the broader perspective of urbanisation are assigned a secondary role only. This article, however, takes a close look at two projects from the 1930’s that took the emerging condition of dispersal as their starting point and which both reflect on the role of urbanisation in the reproduction of the conditions in which industrialisation, among other processes of modernisation, can take place. In particular aspects surrounding the Belgian electrification are examined. Although not one of their main drivers, the electrification is both intertwined with the rise of industrial production and the development of an urban modern lifestyle. Only in the 1930’s, however, Belgian spatial planners started to explore issues concerning the distribution of electricity and its spatial and economic consequences. Both projects are embedded within the international debate on the functional city and present Belgium as a particular case. They show the general delay and mismatch between the process of industrialisation and urbanisation because of the nation’s chosen development path, both in spatial and temporal terms