6,135 research outputs found
A Distributed-Ledger, Edge-Computing Architecture for Automation and Computer Integration in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Contemporary 300mm semiconductor manufacturing systems have highly automated and digitalized cyber-physical integration. They suffer from the profound problems of integrating large, centralized legacy systems with small islands of automation. With the recent advances in disruptive technologies, semiconductor manufacturing has faced dramatic pressures to reengineer its automation and computer integrated systems. This paper proposes a Distributed- Ledger, Edge-Computing Architecture (DLECA) for automation and computer integration in semiconductor manufacturing. Based on distributed ledger and edge computing technologies, DLECA establishes a decentralized software framework where manufacturing data are stored in distributed ledgers and processed locally by executing smart contracts at the edge nodes. We adopt an important topic of automation and computer integration for semiconductor research & development (R&D) operations as the study vehicle to illustrate the operational structure and functionality, applications, and feasibility of the proposed DLECA software framewor
NASA space station automation: AI-based technology review
Research and Development projects in automation for the Space Station are discussed. Artificial Intelligence (AI) based automation technologies are planned to enhance crew safety through reduced need for EVA, increase crew productivity through the reduction of routine operations, increase space station autonomy, and augment space station capability through the use of teleoperation and robotics. AI technology will also be developed for the servicing of satellites at the Space Station, system monitoring and diagnosis, space manufacturing, and the assembly of large space structures
Coalition based approach for shop floor agility – a multiagent approach
Dissertation submitted for a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, speciality of Robotics and Integrated Manufacturing from the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências e TecnologiaThis thesis addresses the problem of shop floor agility. In order to cope with the disturbances and uncertainties that characterise the current business scenarios faced by manufacturing companies, the
capability of their shop floors needs to be improved quickly, such that these shop floors may be adapted, changed or become easily modifiable (shop floor reengineering).
One of the critical elements in any shop floor reengineering process is the way the control/supervision architecture is changed or modified to accommodate for the new processes and equipment. This thesis,
therefore, proposes an architecture to support the fast adaptation or changes in the control/supervision architecture. This architecture postulates that manufacturing systems are no more than compositions of
modularised manufacturing components whose interactions when aggregated are governed by
contractual mechanisms that favour configuration over reprogramming.
A multiagent based reference architecture called Coalition Based Approach for Shop floor Agility – CoBASA, was created to support fast adaptation and changes of shop floor control architectures with minimal effort. The coalitions are composed of agentified manufacturing components (modules), whose relationships within the coalitions are governed by contracts that are configured whenever a coalition is established. Creating and changing a coalition do not involve programming effort because it only requires changes to the contract that regulates it
Methodologies for CIM systems integration in small batch manufacturing
This thesis is concerned with identifying the problems and constraints faced by
small batch manufacturing companies during the implementation of Computer
Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). The main aim of this work is to recommend
generic solutions to these problems with particular regard to those constraints
arising because of the need for ClM systems integration involving both new and
existing systems and procedures. The work has involved the application of
modern computer technologies, including suitable hardware and software tools, in
an industrial environment.
Since the research has been undertaken with particular emphasis on the industrial
implementor's viewpoint, it is supported by the results of a two phased
implementation of computer based control systems within the machine shop of a
manufacturing company. This involved the specific implementation of a
Distributed Numerical Control system on a single machine in a group technology
cell of machines followed by the evolution of this system into Cell and Machine
Management Systems to provide a comprehensive decision support and
information distribution facility for the foremen and uperators within the cell. The
work also required the integration of these systems with existing Factory level
manufacturing control and CADCAM functions. Alternative approaches have
been investigated which may have been applicable under differing conditions and
the implications that this specific work has for CIM systems integration in small
batch manufacturing companies evaluated with regard not only to the users within
an industrial company but also the systems suppliers external to the company.
The work has resulted in certain generic contributions to knowledge by
complementing ClM systems integration research with regard to problems
encountered; cost implications; the use of appropriate methodologies including
the role of emerging international standard methods, tools and technologies and
also the importance of 'human integration' when implementing CIM systems in a
real industrial situation
View on 5G Architecture: Version 2.0
The 5G Architecture Working Group as part of the 5GPPP Initiative is looking at capturing novel trends and key technological enablers for the realization of the 5G architecture. It also targets at presenting in a harmonized way the architectural concepts developed in various projects and initiatives (not limited to 5GPPP projects only) so as to provide a consolidated view on the technical directions for the architecture design in the 5G era. The first version of the white paper was released in July 2016, which captured novel trends and key technological enablers for the realization of the 5G architecture vision along with harmonized architectural concepts from 5GPPP Phase 1 projects and initiatives. Capitalizing on the architectural vision and framework set by the first version of the white paper, this Version 2.0 of the white paper presents the latest findings and analyses with a particular focus on the concept evaluations, and accordingly it presents the consolidated overall architecture design
A manufacturing model to support data-driven applications for design and manufacture
This thesis is primarily concerned with conceptual work on the Manufacturing
Model. The Manufacturing Model is an information model which describes the
manufacturing capability of an enterprise. To achieve general applicability, the
model consists of the entities that are relevant and important for any type of
manufacturing firm, namely: manufacturing resources (e.g. machines, tools,
fixtures, machining cells, operators, etc.), manufacturing processes (e.g. injection
moulding, machining processes, etc.) and manufacturing strategies (e.g. how these
resources and processes are used and organized). The Manufacturing Model is a four
level model based on a de—facto standard (i.e. Factory, Shop, Cell, Station) which
represents the functionality of the manufacturing facility of any firm.
In the course of the research, the concept of data—driven applications has emerged in
response to the need of integrated and flexible computer environments for the
support of design and manufacturing activities. These data—driven applications
require the use of different information models to capture and represent the
company's information and knowledge. One of these information models is the
Manufacturing Model.
The value of this research work is highlighted by the use of two case studies, one
related with the representation of a single machining station, and the other, the
representation of a multi-cellular manufacturing facility of a high performance
company
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