Integrated design environment for reusable modular assembly systems

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019-06-03

Authors

Gil Manuel Gonçalves (Author) FEUP; Pedro Ferreira (Author) Other; Paul Danny Anandan (Author) Other; Ivo Pereira (Author) Other; Vikrant Hiwarkar (Author) Other; Mohmed Sayed (Author) Other; Niels Lohse (Author) Other; Susana Aguiar (Author) FEUP; Joana Gonçalves (Author) Other; Fabian Bottinger (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Assembly Automation

Vol. 39 No. 4

Pages: 664-672

ISSN: 0144-5154

Publisher: Emerald

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 1 Citation

INSPEC

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-QS7

DOI: 10.1108/AA-11-2017-154

Abstract (EN): Purpose This paper aims to provide a service-based integrated prototype framework for the design of reusable modular assembly systems (RMAS) incorporating reusability of equipment into the process. It extends AutomationML (AML) developments for an engineering data exchange to integrate and standardize the data formats that support the design of RMAS. Design/methodology/approach The approach provides a set of systematic procedures and support tools for the design of RMAS. This includes enhanced domain knowledge models that facilitate the interpretation and integration of information across the design phases. Findings The inclusion of reusability aspects in the design phase improves the sustainability of future assembly systems, by ensuring equipment use until its end-of-life. Moreover, the integrated support tools reduce the design time, while improving the quality/performance of the system design solution, as it enables the exploration of a larger solution space. This will result in a better response to dynamic and rapidly changing system requirements. Social implications - This work provides a sustainable approach for the design of modular assembly systems (MAS), which will ensure better resource utilization. Additionally, the standardization of the data and the support of low cost tools is expected to benefit industrial companies, particularly the small- and medium-sized enterprises. Originality/value This approach offers a service-based platform which uses production data to incorporate reusability aspects into the design process of modular assembly system. Moreover, it provides a framework for modular assembly system design by extending the current design processes and interactions between stakeholders. To support this, a standardized method for information representation and exchange across the several phases of the RMAS design activity is briefly illustrated with an industrial case study.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9