Realising the open virtual commissioning of modular automation systems

To address the challenges in the automotive industry posed by the need to rapidly manufacture more product variants, and the resultant need for more adaptable production systems, radical changes are now required in the way in which such systems are developed and implemented. In this context, two enabling approaches for achieving more agile manufacturing, namely modular automation systems and virtual commissioning, are briefly reviewed in this contribution. Ongoing research conducted at Loughborough University which aims to provide a modular approach to automation systems design coupled with a virtual engineering toolset for the (re)configuration of such manufacturing automation systems is reported. The problems faced in the virtual commissioning of modular automation systems are outlined. AutomationML - an emerging neutral data format which has potential to address integration problems is discussed. The paper proposes and illustrates a collaborative framework in which AutomationML is adopted for the data exchange and data representation of related models to enable efficient open virtual prototype construction and virtual commissioning of modular automation systems. A case study is provided to show how to create the data model based on AutomationML for describing a modular automation system

The Internet of Things: the future or the end of mechatronics.

The advent and increasing implementation of user configured and user oriented systems structured around the use of cloud configured information and the Internet of Things is presenting a new range and class of challenges to the underlying concepts of integration and transfer of functionality around which mechatronics is structured. It is suggested that the ways in which system designers and educators in particular respond to and manage these changes and challenges is going to have a significant impact on the way in which both the Internet of Things and mechatronics develop over time. The paper places the relationship between the Internet of Things and mechatronics into perspective and considers the issues and challenges facing systems designers and implementers in relation to managing the dynamics of the changes required

Design, modelling, simulation and integration of cyber physical systems: Methods and applications

The main drivers for the development and evolution of Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) are the reduction of development costs and time along with the enhancement of the designed products. The aim of this survey paper is to provide an overview of different types of system and the associated transition process from mechatronics to CPS and cloud-based (IoT) systems. It will further consider the requirement that methodologies for CPS-design should be part of a multi-disciplinary development process within which designers should focus not only on the separate physical and computational components, but also on their integration and interaction. Challenges related to CPS-design are therefore considered in the paper from the perspectives of the physical processes, computation and integration respectively. Illustrative case studies are selected from different system levels starting with the description of the overlaying concept of Cyber Physical Production Systems (CPPSs). The analysis and evaluation of the specific properties of a sub-system using a condition monitoring system, important for the maintenance purposes, is then given for a wind turbine

Mechatronics versus Robotics

In Bolton, mechatronics is defined as the integration of electronics, control engineering, and mechanical engineering, thus recognizing the fundamental role of control in joining electronics and mechanics. A robot is commonly considered as a typical mechatronic system, which integrates software, control, electronics, and mechanical designs in a synergistic manner. Robotics can be considered as a part of mechatronics; i.e., all robots are mechatronic systems, but not all mechatronic systems are robots. Advanced robots usually plan their actions by combining an assigned functional task with the knowledge about the environment in which they operate. By using a simplified approach, advanced robots could be defined as mechatronic devices governed by a smart brain, placed at a higher hierarchical level. Actuators are building blocks of any mechatronic system. Such systems, however, have a huge application span, ranging from low-cost consumer applications to high-end, high-precision industrial manufacturing equipment

Safe-guarded multi-agent control for mechatronic systems: implementation framework and design patterns

This thesis addresses two issues: (i) developing an implementation framework for Multi-Agent Control Systems (MACS); and (ii) developing a pattern-based safe-guarded MACS design method.\ud \ud The Multi-Agent Controller Implementation Framework (MACIF), developed by Van Breemen (2001), is selected as the starting point because of its capability to produce MACS for solving complex control problems with two useful features:\ud • MACS is hierarchically structured in terms of a coordinated group of elementary and/or composite controller-agents;\ud • MACS has an open architecture such that controller-agents can be added, modified or removed without redesigning and/or reprogramming the remaining part of the MACS

A Proposed Approach to Mechatronics Design and Implementation Education-Oriented Methodology

Mechatronics engineer is expected to design engineering systems with synergy and integration toward constrains like higher performance, speed, precision, efficiency, lower costs and functionality. The key element in success of a mechatronics engineering education-program, and correspondingly, Mechatronics engineering graduates, is directly related to a well-structured mechatronic system design course and the applied structural design methodology. Guidelines for structural design methodology and tools for the development process of mechatronic products, that can be applied in educational process is highly required. This paper proposes mechatronics systems design education-oriented methodology, which aims to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge, in various stages through the design process and development of mechatronics product. The proposed mechatronics design methodology is described, discussed and applied with the help of example student final year graduation project; design and implementation of mechatronics mobile robotic guidance system in the from of smart wheelchair- Mechatronics Motawif, to help and support people with disabilities and special needs to perform specific predetermined tasks, particularly, performing Al Omrah and motion around holy Kaba, Makka. Keywords: Mechatronics, Design methodology, Parallel design, Synergistic integration, Modeling/ Simulation, Prototyping, Mobile robot, Motawif

Interdisciplinary design methodology for systems of mechatronic systems focus on highly dynamic environmental applications

This paper discusses a series of research challenges in the design of systems of mechatronic systems. A focus is given to environmental mechatronic applications within the chain “Renewable energy production - Smart grids - Electric vehicles”. For the considered mechatronic systems, the main design targets are formulated, the relations to state and parameter estimation, disturbance observation and rejection as well as control algorithms are highlighted. Finally, the study introduces an interdisciplinary design approach based on the intersectoral transfer of knowledge and collaborative experimental activities

Mechatronic Tools for the Modeling and Design of Servo Motor Actuated Belt Driven Motion Systems

Mechatronics is defined as the synergistic integration of physical systems, electronics, controls, and computers through the design process, from the very start of the design process, thus enabling complex decision making. This definition reveals the elements involved yet it eludes to the complexity and the constant balance of tradeoffs which are prevalent in the context of applying Mechatronics to a successful design process. This work pursues the use of various tools for the application of Mechatronics to the modeling and design of a servo motor driven motion system. The use of Mechatronics is pervasive in and among today\u27s highly integrated devices and systems. By virtue of the fact that the phrase Mechatronics may carry different meaning depending upon ones discipline or industry, the most general definition is sought and embodied within the work. An overview of the relevant discipline specific perspectives is offered; as sufficient background for the systems modeling and analysis presented. In the course of developing and applying a Mechatronics design process for servo motor actuated motion systems, the use of frequency response analysis and alternative modeling techniques is emphasized, not only as a tool for understanding and applying the matter but, also for the purposes of model verification. These efforts culminate in the design and testing of a physical realization of one of the models presented; the servo motor actuated compliant belt system with compliance and friction. The results of this work underscore the notion that using a Mechatronics design process while devising a servo motor driven motion system enables optimization and functionality not otherwise realizable. These results are supported with experimental verification and comparison. The implications of this work are threefold: the work equips the Mechatronics practitioner with the tools required for verification of the results of modeling and analysis, the work provides an upgrade to the tools and equipment available in the College of Engineering at Marquette University, and the work will likely inspire additional related projects

Chemical heat storage for saving the exhaust gas energy in a spark ignition engine

This study was aimed to develop a chemical heat storage system using magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and its dehydration and hydration reactions to recover the energy wasted in internal combustion engines (IC engine). The thermal energy of exhaust gas will be stored in the dehydration of Mg(OH)2 to become MgO and H2O, and to release in the hydration of MgO. Experiments were conducted on a 6-cylinder spark ignition engine to estimate the amount of energy loss in the exhaust gas and the reactor efficiency in the dehydration process. The stored heat used to heat fresh air from the ambient temperature to more convenient temperature. Results of the preliminary investigation show that the proposed chemical heat storage system is feasible to recover approximately 5.8 % of the heat loss and the temperature of the air is from 275.5 K to 305.4 K (with the ambient temperature is from 253 K to 283 K and the water vapor pressure is 47kPa)