World Congress on Industrial Automation July 20-22, 2015 San Francisco, USA

Chair

Dev Bhattacharya

Moog Crossbow, USA

Co-Chair

Juan R Pimentel

Kettering University, USA

Session Introduction

Dev Bhattacharya

Moog Crossbow, USA

Title: Internet of Things (IoT) applications covering industrial domain

Time : 10:30-11:00

Biography:

Dev Bhattacharya is currently Director of Hardware Engineering at Moog-Crossbow and leads the system and hardware development of complex IoTs and embedded systems based on various sensors and devices including wireless, inertial, magnetometers etc. Dev has a Master Degree of Science in computer and systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has successfully led and managed development of system architecture, system hardware, diagnostics & test software of complex embedded SOC and system products with sensors, networking, wireless and multi-media from concept to volume production at various companies including Cisco, Intel, Logitech and Rockwell Collins.

Abstract:

The Internet of Things (IoT) is driven by an expansion of the Internet through the inclusion of physical objects including industrial devices combined with an ability to provide smarter services to the environment as more data becomes available. Various IoT applications covering industrial domain are already available. Successful deployment of these applications connecting devices, sensors and smart gateways calls for multiple protocols at various layers of networking stack (transport, network, link/phy), layers of application processing and other associated functions including security. The limited capability of devices and industrial nature of applications calls for special system design considerations to make end to end solutions work. The system requirements of various industrial IOT applications are different. Appropriate hardware and software based system design is needed to meet industrial IoT system requirements including range, power, size, cost, performance, interoperability, security, etc. This presentation will cover fundamentals and some examples of system design approach to end to end industrial IoT solution

Doug Bellin

Cisco Systems, Inc., USA

Title: IT and operations, how and where to get along

Time : 11:00-11:30

Biography:

Douglas Bellin is a Senior Sales and Marketing Executive with more than 20 years of technology experience with 10 years of senior management experience within international markets. He has been able to spearhead the rapid and sustained growth of companies within Asia Pacific and the USA with a hands-on approach with both direct sales teams and channel sales. He has used his expertise in relationship and consultative selling, setting up and motivating, effective sales teams, and formulating strategic sales plans during his successful career in several leadership roles. In addition to his many business accomplishments, he has an MBA in International Business and Finance from Roosevelt University. He is a professional that leads by example, has excellent communication skills, and is a decisive and results-orientated individual capable of making significant and continuing contributions. He is now heading up the Industry marketing and Business Development for Cisco Systems, Inc. In this role he covers various industries including the Manufacturing and Mining markets.

Abstract:

Industrial Automation is here. We are seeing more and more customers implementing Automation in their Operations of their business. By doing this the huge gap between Operations and Information Technology (IT) is shrinking. In the past the IT department and Operations Departments did not talk and did not plan together. With the advent of Automation in Operations the drive to implement IT into more and more areas is apparent, but incredibly difficult. Historic IT implementations followed IT rules and workflows, but these are completely different to business workflows and implementation needs. To add to the difficulty is the fact that security has to be prelevant, but again using the best of IT and the needs of Operations. With more and more sensors coming to play this explosion is happening and needs to be managed in a unified and single format. We will explore what companies are doing now to support this convergence of IT and Operations and set some best practices from customers in the market.

Mel Torrie

Autonomous Solutions, USA

Title: Lessons learned in fielding driverless (autonomous) vehicles in industrial applications like mining, material handling, and agriculture

Time : 11:30-12:00

Biography:

Mr. Torrie has a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Utah State University and is a founder and CEO of Autonomous Solutions Inc. (ASI) in Logan Utah. Prior to founding ASI 14 years ago, Mr. Torrie worked at Utah State University where he managed two NASA Space Shuttle Payloads. ASI develops and sells systems of driverless equipment in Mining, Military, Agriculture, Material Handling, Automotive Proving Grounds and Industrial Cleaning.

Abstract:

ASI has driverless systems operating around the world in markets like mining, agriculture, material handling, military, and automotive proving grounds and there have been many lessons learned. Mel Torrie will share examples of fielding challenges and what these challenges have taught his company Autonomous Solutions Inc.

Break: Lunch Break: 12:00-13:00 @ Sierra A

Chair

Juan R Pimentel

Kettering University, USA

Co-Chair

Cameron Gieda

Sick Inc., USA

Session Introduction

Juan R Pimentel

Kettering University, USA

Title: Context aware systems for unstructured environments based on WSNs

Time : 11:00-11:30

Biography:

Juan R Pimentel is a Professor of Computer Engineering at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, USA. He is an expert in the area of Internet of Things, Industrial Internet, safety-critical systems and industrial computer networks, particularly issues related to real-time protocols, safety-critical protocols, dependable automotive embedded distributed systems, and distributed industrial and embedded systems. He is a recognized international expert in the area of industrial communications and real-time and dependable protocols. He has written 3 books on networking, multimedia systems, and safety critical systems. He has worked with major manufacturing and process control projects involving products from companies such as Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider Electric, ABB, and GE-Fanuc. As a 1980 graduate of the University of Virginia, his accomplishments include the co-development of the application layer for Profibus (with Siemens), and the development of FlexCAN, a CAN-based safety-critical architecture. In 2007 he received the “Distinguished Researcher Award” from Kettering University for contributions in the area of industrial communication systems and automotive systems. During the last few years he has been involved with wireless sensor networks (WSNs), telemetry systems using TV white spaces, software define radios (SDR), and platforms for deploying IoT technologies. He is currently writing a book on “Industrial Internet Connectivity”.

Abstract:

There is significant work done in the area of context aware for structured environments such as homes, buildings, manufacturing, and others similar. However, as transformative initiatives such as the Internet of Things (IoT) take hold, we are dealing with environments that are not so well structured such as the ones mentioned above. One example of such unstructured environments is the vast amount of data gathered by wireless sensor network (WSN) that might have thousands of tiny sensors collecting many sorts of data. In such a case, just about every element of a traditional context aware system must be re-considered. In this talk, we will review the characteristics and features of context aware systems for well structured environments, the characteristics and features of WSNs, and present a set of requirements for context aware systems suitable for unstructured environments based on WSNs.

Cameron Gieda

Sick Inc., USA

Title: Industrial automation technologies and the realization of factory 4.0

Time : 11:30-12:00

Biography:

Cameron Gieda is an Automation Specialist with over 20 years of experience designing and selling automation systems and technologies for some of the world’s top automation companies such as Keyence, Omron, Honeywell, Emerson, Fluke and now Sick Inc. In my current role in Silicon Valley he collaborates with companies ranging from consumer electronics, automotive, semiconductor, biomedical and aerospace. Key areas of interest are machine vision, 3D Vision, Safety devices and optical inspection.

Abstract:

Industry 4.0 is an initiative actively funded by the German government in collaboration with a number or European manufacturing technology companies. The goal of this initiative it to develop the technological foundation for "smart factories” using industrial networks/SCADA systems to gather, process and position data from a network of distributed intelligent via sensors. From our perspective at Sick Inc. a large German optical sensing can safety company, we will help realize the smart factory through distributed intelligent in what were previously simple sensors. Newly developed industrial networking methods allow more information to be pulled from smaller and more remote devices. Think Internet of Things. Moreover, these devices can be controlled and adjusted remotely, which eliminates a very time consuming maintenance operation. Simple photo electric sensors can now gather information far beyond part presence and are able to track the time of a specific event, report issues downstream to other sensors and make a decision as to how best to detect certain objects. This has resulted in other benefits such as miniaturization of product because they no longer buttons, indicator LED’s or displays. These sensors can also provide predictive maintenance information as they can send out a message before they fail so sensor replacement can be scheduled when the line is not running. The method by which this data is transmitted is also very important and we see the developing EtherCat standard as a great fit for factory floor communications. EtherCat provide a singular “clock” on which every sensors are running so for high speed positioning application using interrupt sensors to gauge position or size can be much more accurate. This is also evolving into a safety communication standard, which is slowly being accepted by the U.S. and European front end semiconductor machine manufactures.

Utku Buyuksahin

Sensobright Industries LLC, USA

Title: BTSS – BUYUKSAHIN tactile sensing system

Time : 12:00-12:30

Biography:

Utku Buyuksahin received the BS and PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey in 2004 and 2010 respectively. He received another BS degree in Business Administration in 2007. His main interest areas are; robotics, sensors, image processing and motion control. He has received many awards and has over 30 technical publications, including a book and a book chapter. He holds total number of 6 patented and patent pending inventions. He has accomplished over 70 projects (all mechanical designs, manufacturing, electronic designs and applications, software developments) including, 3 axes CNC Milling Machine, 6 DOF. Stewart Platform for 8D Cinemas, Vehicle simulators, 11 DOF.Hepa Filter Test Robot etc.

Abstract:

The desired level for tactile sensing in robotics and devices compared to the human’s tactile sensing ability still could not be reached because there are 241 sensory receptors per centimeter square in human’s tactile sensing and the acquired data is delivered to human brain without any data loss. But on the contrary the sensory receptors of robotics and devices for tactile sensing are at the number of tens per centimeter square and if total sensory number is increased to hundreds or thousands, the acquired data cannot be delivered to the computer properly or it will cost a lot. Due to our patented invention “Multi Point, High Sensitive Tactile Sensing Module for Robots and Devices” (US9030653B1), the number of tactile sensory receptors per centimeter square can be increased up to one million. The system also has the ability of temperature measurement in case needed. The key features of the system are as follows: System sends the gradual (not only I/O) tactile sensing data of each sensor individually and real time over a single USB cable which can reach up to total of 50 M+ sensor data with only 1 USB cable. System is constructed of all bendable materials which give us the chance of covering non-uniform shaped mechanical systems.As the tactile sensing and temperature data is transferred by light, the system does not interfere with magnetic fields. The systemis built up with only over-the-counter components that are common and easy to provide.

Break: Lunch Break 12:30-13:30 @ Sierra A

Sami A Alhasan

The Excellency Center of Water Technologies, Saudi Arabia

Title: Automating farms irrigation in Saudi Arabia

Time : 13:30-14:00

Biography:

Sami A Alhasan did his B.S. Degree in Systems Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia in 1990. Then in 1994 he got his M.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. Later in 1999 he got his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. Topic of thesis is “Intelligent Approaches to Mission Planning and Control of Autonomous Vehicles.” Currently he works as Head of Strategic Partnership Program between Technical Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC). Vice Chairman of GE Technical Academy – Saudi Arabia.

Abstract:

This paper presents a large-scale project under implementation in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia where a conventional manual irrigation system of almost 24,000 farms has been automated and interlinked with a global SCADA system for the purpose of using scarce water resources more efficiently, and to utilize technology to support agricultural development. The paper explains the approach for automating this huge irrigation network and the implemented control and SCADA systems. It, then, highlights implementation findings and avenues of study and research.

Walter Dunkmann

J Schmalz GmbH, Germany

Title: Intelligent vacuum technology in automation

Time : 14:00-14:45

Biography:

Walter Dunkmann is Head of R & D and Business development for process automation end-effectors at J. Schmalz GmbH. Earlier he has worked as a Controls engineer. Many years he worked as a Project Manager for process automation in automotive industry and Sales & Product Management at ABB Robotics. Also he experienced as a Head of Business unit Press Automation at KUKA Systems

Abstract:

Experts agree that in the future, no company competing at an international level can afford to ignore Industry 4.0. Today, enterprises need to set a course for tomorrow and be ready for networked production. People, machines and resources interact in the factory of the future. Strongly individualized products are created through highly flexible and resource-efficient production. There is extensive integration of customers and business partners and value-added processes. Schmalz has already started along this path and is supporting their customers with innovative and future-proof solutions. Our work was focused on intelligent process communication long before any mention of Industry 4.0. In 2008, we launched the world\\\\\\\'s first vacuum generator with IO-Link interface, making it Industry 4.0 ready. Today we are the first manufacturer to combine sensor and actuator functions in a 4.0 compatible device. The ultimate aim of all our efforts and activities is to help our customers achieve more productive, efficient and flexible production processes through the use of intelligent vacuum solutions, thus enhancing their ability to compete.

Charlie Duncheon

Grabit, Inc., USA

Title: Reaching Ultimate Flexibility for Robot Grippers

Time : 14:45-15:15

Biography:

Charlie Duncheon is the Co-founder and Advisor of Grabit, Inc. He has more than 25 years of senior management experience in leading the growth of start-ups to successful companies. Duncheon has served on several Board of Directors including the Robotics Industries Association and Automation Technology Council. In 2000, he received the Robotic Industries Association Joseph Engleberger Leadership Award. Previously, he was elected president of the Robotics Industries Association, and served as the U.S. National Chairman for the United Nations International Federation of Robotics. Duncheon received his MBA from Southern Illinois University and his B.S. in industrial engineering from Purdue University.

Abstract:

Since the beginning of robotics until today most robots in assembly and handling automation are equipped with part-specific grippers. Typically, these grippers are mechanical or vacuum in form factor. This approach does not work with high mix applications. One example of a high mix application is in the order fulfillment market for E-commerce order fulfillment. This talk will address the challenge in more detail, technology limitations in meeting the challenge, and new developments that hold promise to truly build a flexible robot gripper for very broad ranges of products.

Jaya Bhanu Rao Degala Ramalu

Newcastle University, UK

Title: Static and dynamic obstacle avoidance behaviour for powered wheelchair control system

Time : 15:15-15:45

Biography:

Jaya Degala is currently pursuing his Doctoral studies in the field of intelligent Mechatronics control under the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Newcastle University, United Kingdom. He has completed his Diploma Studies in the field of Industrial Automation at German-Malaysian Institute, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1997. He also holds a degree in Mechatronics Engineering from University of Leeds, United Kingdom in 1999. He obtained Master’s Degree in Mechatronics at Newcastle University, United Kingdom in 2003. Then, he worked as a Lecturer at German-Malaysian Institute Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 5 years. After that, he continued working as a Lecturer at Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for another 5 years, majoring in Mechatronics subjects. He has successfully designed and patterned Automatic Multi-Peeler Machine. He also completed a project on Automatic Tyre Inflation System for vehicles.

Abstract:

Disabled and elderly people are to manoeuvre the powered wheelchair smoothly due to frail and lack in dexterity in handling joystick movement. Wheelchairs users require efficient transition in preventing and avoiding collisions to minimise fatigue and to reach destination safely. The collision cone approach has been proven to avoid static and dynamic obstacles successfully by researchers in mobile robots. This paper proposes an improvement to the static and dynamic obstacle avoidance behaviour for non-holonomic semi- autonomous powered intelligent wheelchair control system. The velocity obstacle approach (VO) is proposed because it is considered an easy and simple method for avoiding dynamic obstacles while collision cone approach is used to detect collision situation between two circular shaped objects. However, the challenge takes place in detecting non-circularshaped objects from sensor data. The collision avoidance behaviour has been further improved with integration of collision cone approach and fuzzy inference system. Experiments on various environmental scenarios such as partly cluttered areas have been demonstrated with the aid of player/stage simulation on Ubuntu12.04 LTS. A Saitek Cyborg Evo wireless joystick with 6 axes is used to drive the wheelchair in the player/stage simulation. The experimental results show significant improvement in detecting and avoiding collisions.

Jone F Chen

National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan

Title: Use of data analysis and TCAD simulations to understand the characteristics and reliability of high voltage MOS transistors

Time : 15:45-16:15

Biography:

Jone F Chen received the PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He worked in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Institute of Microelectronics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan for more than 15 years, where he is currently a Professor. He has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

High voltage metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors are widely used in smart power management integrated circuits (IC), liquid-crystal display (LCD) drivers, and NAND flash memory periphery circuitry because of the compatibility to be integrated into standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. Because high voltage MOS transistors are operated under high voltage, breakdown voltage is a critical device parameter and hot-carrier induced device degradation is an important reliability concern. One key factor to affect breakdown voltage and hot-carrier induced device degradation is the process to fabricate drift region of the device. This paper reports analysis of breakdown voltage and hot-carrier induced device degradation in high voltage MOS transistors. The process to fabricate drift region of high voltage MOS transistors is varied to examine its impact on breakdown voltage and hot-carrier-induced device degradation. Not only experimental data but also technology computer-aided-design (TCAD) simulation results are analyzed to understand the underlying physical mechanisms. Our findings reveal that care should be taken in determining the fabrication process of drift region because a trade-off between breakdown voltage and hot-carrier induced device degradation is observed.

Break: Coffee Break 16:15-16:35 @ Sierra A

Chair

Tariq H. Tashtoush

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), USA

Co-Chair

Eric H.K. Fung

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China

Session Introduction

Tariq H. Tashtoush

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), USA

Title: Robotics and automation in space systems: Utilization of infrared laser to improve communication in space systems review

Time : 10:40-11:10

Biography:

Tariq Tashtoush is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering in Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), Laredo, TX. He got his PhD and M.S. degrees in Systems and Industrial Engineering from State University of New York at Binghamton on 2013 and 2009, respectively and his B.S. in Electromechanical (Mechatronics) Engineering for Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan on 2005. Throughout his working experience and formal education in multidiscipline of engineering, he acquired a sound knowledge and experience of leading edge engineering principles, tools and practices in the field of simulation and systems design, production quality and management, lean manufacturing principles, robotics and automation, 3D printing processes, engineering statistical analysis, project management, optimization, instruments and electrical devices, reliability, Healthcare Systems, and Human Factors. He is Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt certified, he worked at Continental Automation Systems where he implemented Lean manufacturing and Six-Sigma principles, machine production control, preventive maintenance scheduling, and quality monitoring to reduce non-added value actions and increase productivity and the production lines’ throughput. His research interests lie in the area of systems designs and optimization, production quality, electronics manufacturing, electronics reliability and robotics.

Abstract:

Robots are programmable mechanisms that have been developed to aid humans. Their capability to replace a human in the sense that they can achieve repetitive and detailed tasks at impressive speeds with a high precision with minimal to no errors. Robots have also greatly contributed into the exploration of deep sea and space environments, where it extremely difficult for humans to explore due to environments and limited resources. This paper will briefly explain the background and communication problems encountered with robotics and automation on space systems. Orbital robots and surface robots both face challenges when in the vacuum of space. Robots in space are all designed specifically to achieve a specified task such as providing GPS access, taking images, live streaming videos of space, robotic workstations and planetary exploration. The space environment creates several constraints into the operation and design of a robot and automation. Radiation, vacuum, extreme temperatures, gravity, power and communication are just a few of the problems faced in the space environment. The main objective of this paper is to provide an insight of faster a communication between command station and space robots using infrared lasers.

Eric H.K. Fung

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China

Title: 3D simulation and stability analysis of bipedal robot with two unactuated hip DoFs and distributed sole force sensors

Time : 11:10-11:40

Biography:

Eric FUNG has completed PhD from University of Hong Kong, and now working as a visiting Associate Professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He has over 20 years of experience in control application, robotics and automation. He is the author and co-author of over 100 papers in journals and conference proceedings

Abstract:

This paper presents a 3D simulation method in Sim Mechanics for a floating type robot, known as bipedal robot. According to the physical experimental bipedal robot built in our laboratory, a 3D model using the same physical parameters is developed in Solid Works, which serves as a platform to be simulated and analyzed in Matlab. By performing the simulation, we can verify the methodology to be applied, and test the robot kinematic and dynamic characteristics before the physical robot experiments are carried out, aiming at revealing the possible problems before hand. Secondly, a ground contact model between soles and the ground and a model of distributed sole force sensors will be introduced for the purpose of joint dynamic analysis. By modeling the distributed force sensor system attached to the bipedal robot feet, precise pressure profiles in different walking phases can be obtained during the simulation. The CoP (center of pressure), the point at which the resultant force of the distributed force vectors acts on the feet, will also be calculated for further analysis. Finally, by applying the models and methods described above, a human-like straight line walking pattern with two hip DoFs unactuated will be chosen for stability analysis by applying ZMP criteria. The overall simulation results demonstrate that this 3D simulation method with distributed sole force sensor model is effective. For the given walking pattern and two unactuated hip DoFs, the bipedal robot in the simulation environment can walk stably with satisfying all the required performance indices of the physical robot.

Jeffrey Berkley

Mimic Technologies Inc., USA

Title: Simulation in robotic surgery: The challenges and opportunities

Time : 11:40-12:10

Biography:

Jeff Berkley is the founder of Mimic Technologies, which was the first company to establish the market for robotic surgery simulation. Since the beta release in January of 2007, Mimic’s da Vinci simulation has become the most rapidly adopted simulation platform with the largest installation base of any digital surgery simulator. He is well known as a leader in the fields of haptics, surgery simulation, and real-time finite element modeling. He has published and served as a reviewer for various journals such as IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Modeling, Virtual Reality, and the Electronic Journal of Haptics Research and Medical Imaging. He brings over twenty years of experience in the mathematics, engineering and healthcare disciplines that utilize virtual reality applications. While obtaining his Masters of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University, he also worked for Musculo Graphics, where he developed his first real-time finite element analysis models. He continued to advance his real-time algorithms while receiving his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington's Human Interface Technology Laboratory. He founded Mimic Technologies upon graduation, where he then applied his knowledge of haptic feedback and continuum mechanic-based tissue modeling to surgery simulation. He also served in the Naval Reserves for eight years as a medical corpsman where he received experience in field medicine and nursing.

Abstract:

According to the 2009 report by the Institute of Medicine titled “To Err is Human – To Delay is Deadly”, preventable medical errors in the United States have been increasing on the order of 1% each year to exceed 100,000 deaths per year. Simulation training has been identified as one means of reducing errors and the adoption of simulation has been especially rapid in the field of robotic surgery. However, there are plenty of challenges to integrate simulation into a hospital’s overall robotic training protocol. Demands on a surgeon’s time, efficient use of training content, and the institution’s willingness to enforce simulation testing are all important factors that affect the value that can be derived from simulation training. Berkley’s lecture will address many of the current limitations and opportunities presented through simulation with a review of the research and a preview of new simulation technologies that will soon be available.

Chair

Mehran Mehrandezh

University of Regina, Canada

Co-Chair

Andreas Jonsson

Volvo Car Group, Sweden

Session Introduction

Mehran Mehrandezh

University of Regina, Canada

Title: Design and development of automated robotic systems for inspecting pipes

Time : 14:00-14:30

Biography:

Dr. Mehrandezh received his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, and the Queens University in 1999 and 1995, respectively. He is currently an associate professor in the Industrial Systems Engineering program at the University of Regina, Canada. Mehrandezh’s research revolves around robotics, machine vision, and control. A pipe crawling robot co-invented by him was highlighted in the Popular Mechanics magazine as one of the 5 high-tech fixes to infrastructures in 2009. He also holds a patent on “design and development of an adaptable climbing machine”. Mehrandezh is a member of IEEE and served as the vice-president of the IEEE (south Saskatchewan section) for two consecutive terms. He is also a registered professional engineer (P. Eng.) in Canada. The focal point of Mehrandezh’s research for the past 6 years has been on design, development, and control of robotic inspection systems with the focus on automated pipeline inspection using laser optics. His research has been supported by Evraz (www.evraz.com), one of the largest steel pipe manufacturers in the world. Mehrandezh has co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed conference/journal articles and book chapters.

Abstract:

Pipeline infrastructure is aging. Failure in transmission/distribution water pipeline networks and also the oil/gas pipelines could be catastrophic. Automated and precise inspection of the pipes at the manufacturing stage and also conducting inspection on live pipes in use would be paramount in making the industry sustainable. In this talk Dr. Mehrandezh presents his research work on design and development of automated robotic systems for inspecting pipes. He will start with a review of the pipe crawling robot developed in his group. This invention was highlighted as one of the 5 high-tech fixes to infrastructure in the Popular Mechanics magazine in 2009. He will then present his work on design and development of an omni-directional laser optics technology for automated inspection of pipes. This system was first used in Alberta, Canada to inspect 5miles of 80-ft casing pipes in the summer 2012. It was also recently utilized in the Evraz, one of the largest steel pipe manufacturers in the world with plants in Regina, Calgary, and Portland. This laser optics sensor technology, when used on a mobile robot moving inside a pipe, can: (1) detect defects at high resolution, (2) classify defects (i.e., sliver, crack, bad weld trim, etc.), (3) size the defects through Structure From Motion (SFM), and (4)position-reference them via Visual Odometry (VO). The first part of the talk will focus on design, development, dynamic analysis, and control of the locomotion system used to carry the sensor module inside pipes called Regina Pipe Crawler (RPC). The second part of the talk will focus on design, development, and configuration optimization of the omni-directional laser optics sensor module.

Andreas Jonsson

Volvo Car Group, Sweden

Title: Ready for reality; virtual commissioning at Volvo cars

Time : 14:30-15:00

Biography:

Andreas Jonsson received his MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2003. He is a method developer and expert on Virtual Manufacturing at Volvo Car Corporation, and the application owner for Process Simulate – the software used by Volvo Cars for all process simulation. His main focus during the last few years has been on Virtual Commissioning for BiW (Body in White) using Process Simulate, defining how this technology should be implemented in order to fully take advantage of all the benefits.

Abstract:

Volvo Cars, a long term user of advanced tools for virtual manufacturing engineering and Robotic off-line programming has now started to investigate the implementation of Virtual Commissioning (VC). This is done as a part of a national research project VIRTCOM (Virtual preparation and Commissioning of Production Systems incl. PLC logic), a project supported by Vinnova/FFI within sustainable production technology. Volvo Cars has set the aggressive goal to cut project lead time in half before 2020, and VC will play an important role by allowing less time spent on shop floor and enabling full verification of station logic without physical installations or production parts. Volvo believes that many of the issues and risks that normally come with the commissioning of BiW-lines can be reduced and in many cases eliminated by using Virtual Commissioning.
Areas of special importance to Volvo:
• Possibility to test and debug station logic before installation
• Eliminate the need for physical prototypes and Plant Pilot Production
• The virtual result includes BOTH robotic and PLC programs ready for download!
• Shorten the time spent on-site i.e. faster production ramp-up and shorter time-to-market
• More accurate cycle time predictions
Of course, a successful implementation of Virtual Commissioning is a much bigger project than simply introducing the technology. Most of the challenges come with aligning work methods, standards and specifications to allow for efficient workflows. The presentation aims at giving an overview of the project and account for some of the pre-study results around the implementation of Virtual Commissioning.

Rhythm Suren Wadhwa

Høgskolen Gjøvik University College, Norway

Title: Automation in the SME manufacturing learning factories: Case point Norway

Time : 15:00-15:30

Biography:

R S Wadhwa is an Associate professor at HøgskolenGjøvik. She served in the marine and automotive industries in areas of quality and manufacturing automation; before pursuing the academic path. Her Masters was in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Bachelors in Manufacturing Processes Automation Engineering.

Abstract:

For many years Norwegian small-medium enterprises (SMEs) have attempted to improve their manufacturing automation performance in a view to achieving global competitiveness and operational excellence. This talk describes the automated manufacturing systems activities at the learning factories in the Gjøvik region research cluster. The talk describes the philosophy, methods and experiences that underlie the activities undertaken. The learning factory is primarily designed for the automotive industry, but has proven to be useful for most SMEs who want effective value creation both in manufacturing and services.

Tariq H. Tashtoush

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), USA

Title: Utilizing factory modeling and simulation and the current challenges

Time : 15:30-16:00

Biography:

Tariq Tashtoush is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering in Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), Laredo, TX. He got his PhD and MS degrees in Systems and Industrial Engineering from State University of New York at Binghamton on 2013 and 2009, respectively and his BS in Electromechanical (Mechatronics) Engineering for Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan on 2005. Throughout his working experience and formal education in multidiscipline of engineering, he acquired a sound knowledge and experience of leading edge engineering principles, tools and practices in the field of simulation and systems design, production quality and management, lean manufacturing principles, robotics and automation, 3D printing processes, engineering statistical analysis, project management, optimization, instruments and electrical devices, reliability, Healthcare Systems, and Human Factors. He is Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt certified, he worked at Continental Automation Systems, where he implemented Lean manufacturing and Six-Sigma principles, machine production control, preventive maintenance scheduling, and quality monitoring to reduce non-added value actions and increase productivity and the production lines’ throughput. His research interests lie in the area of systems designs and optimization, production quality, electronics manufacturing, electronics reliability and robotics.

Abstract:

Over the past couple of decades, modeling and simulation as a tool for aiding in the optimization and reengineering of systems has become increasingly popular and more widely used. In an attempt to evaluate the current standing of modeling and simulation, this paper will discuss the applications of this indispensable analysis and reengineering tool in recent years. Furthermore, this paper will identify how effective modeling and simulations was, what limitations or setbacks were encountered, and what results were accomplished by the use of modeling and simulation in the study. This paper will then provide and insight as to what problems have been solved about modeling and simulation, and which problems still need to be addressed about this powerful reengineering tool.

Break: Coffee Break 16:00-16:20 @ Sierra A