A Cell Controller Architecture Solution: Description and Analysis of Performance and Costs

Nowadays, with the globalization of the markets, the companies must to implement new manufacturing technologies and concepts for the improvement of manufacturing systems productivity. The integration is one of the keys to solve the problems in manufacturing systems. The arrangement of the resources in cells and the implementation of control systems allows the improvement of productivity, flexibility, quality and the reduction of production costs. This paper describes a Cell Controller architecture solution, implemented at the flexible manufacturing cell integrated into the demonstration pilot of an ESPRIT Program Project; special attention to the control structure and the system communication is taken. The last part of the paper focuses the costs involved in this solution and presents the alternative platforms and technologies to implement the Cell Controller.