The modeling and control flexible-manufacturing workcells (FMCs) has generally been performed in a hierarchical structure, where at the highest level they have been modeled as discrete-event systems (DESs). In this paper, a new DES control synthesis technique that combines Moore Automata (MA) and ControlledAutomata theories to synthesize supervisors is presented. The obtained supervisors can mo...

The present investigation presents a stochastic model for a flexible manufacturing system consisting of flexible machine, loading/unloading robot and an automated pallethandling device. We consider unreliable flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) wherein machine and robot operate under individual as well as common cause random failures. The pallethandling system is completely reliable. The pallet o...

In this study, mathematical models are developed to study and compare the operations of a fully reliable and an unreliable flexible manufacturing cell (FMC), each with a flexible machine, a loading/unloading robot, and a pallet handling system. The operation times, loading/unloading times, and material handling times by the pallet are assumed to be random. The operation of the reliable cell is ...

The time for electronically connecting business and manufacturing has come. Advancements in e-commerce have requested that business decisions on web be the direct driving info to the corresponding manufacturing activities without human interventions. Since orders from the web may arrive in random sequence and with a range of specifications, flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) may be the proper...

This paper addresses the problem of optimizing a factorial system with multiple responses. A heuristic termed probabilistic sequential methodology (PSM) is proposed. The PSMidenti® es those designs that maximize the likelihood of satisfying a given set of functional requirements. It is based on sequential experimentation, statistical inference and a probabilistic local search. The PSM comprises...

The underlying theory of a new actuator concept based on hydrogel core flexible matrix composites (H-FMC) is presented. The key principle that underlines the H-FMC actuator operation is that the three-dimensional swelling of a hydrogel is partially constrained in order to improve the amount of useful work done. The partial constraint is applied to the hydrogel by a flexible matrix composite (FM...

This paper presents an educational strategy for Mechatronics laboratories education which integrates the Tecnológico de Monterrey Educational Model, industrial technologies and equipment, hands-on activities, laboratory equipment based on Design for Mechatronics Learning (DFML) and an eLearning platform to improve communication between teachers and students. An Automation of Manufacturing Syste...

Nowadays, flexible manufacturing systems play an effective role in a variety of production and timely response to the needs of their customers. Flexible manufacturing cell is a part of this system that includes machines with flexibility in manufacturing different parts. For many years, minimizing the number of tool switches in the machines has been studied by the researchers. Most research in t...

In this study, we consider a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) processing identical parts on which the loading and unloading of machines are made by a robot. The machines used in FMCs are predominantly CNC machines and these machines are flexible enough for performing several operations provided that the required tools are stored in their tool magazines. Traditional research in this area consid...

In recent years Cellular Manufacturing has become an effective tool for improving productivity. Attainment of full benefits of Cellular Manufacturing depends firstly on the design of the machine cells and part families, secondly on the method of operations which takes full advantage of cell properties. Inappropriate methods of loading and scheduling can even lead to the failure of the Cellular ...