In today’s competitive world, manufacturers have realized that they need to embrace automation as their mantra to success. However, the impact of automation primarily concerns with the effectiveness of process monitoring and control systems. There is a need for a closed loop supervisory system, which integrates and coordinates individual process modules for real-time adjustment, conflict resolution and priority assignment. Monitoring and control of multiple process modules will result in higher productivity, better quality and prognostics for near-zero breakdown performance.
The development and implementation of a supervisory system for the next generation machine tool, smart machine, is presented. This smart machine supervisory system utilized an open architecture that integrates and coordinates individual process monitoring and control modules such that a real-time globally optimal machining solution is delivered for maximum productivity for the metal cutting process.
The technical and functional requirements, benefits and architectural details with emphasis on the knowledge system are examined and described. A prototype supervisory system application is described with objectives, setup, technologies identified and results. In conclusion, insight gained from this body of work is presented, identifying technical issues and their implications for the successful realization of a smart machine supervisory system.