Miguel Ramírez

Next-generation manufacturing systems: key research issues in developing and integrating reconfigurable and intelligent machines

Throughout history it has been proved that tendencies in the manufacturing floor are a reflection of the changes in the customers demands. Today, markets increasingly require more customized products, with shorter life cycles. In response, manufacturing systems have evolved from mass production techniques, through flexible automation, and to mass customization to produce ‘one-of-a-kind production’ at mass production costs. This paper argues that manufacturing systems of the next generation will have to incorporate more flexibility and intelligence, evolving towards reconfigurable manufacturing systems. In particular, the concept of ‘intelligence’ becomes more relevant because of the need to maintain effective and efficient manufacturing operations with minimum downtime under conditions of uncertainty. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of the field of reconfigurable and intelligent machines. The relevant research issues for the development and introduction of reconfigurable machines tools are presented.

Developing a universal numerical control machine based on an enterprise multilevel framework and its IPPMD reference map and methodology

Abstract Nowadays more manufacturing enterprises are requiring the adoption of a structured process to improve their practices in a product development project. Using an enterprise multilevel framework, this paper introduces an integrated product, process and manufacturing system development (IPPMD) reference map and methodology to create a particular product development model and setting-up based on it a successful concurrent product development process that is independent of the enterprise industrial sector and focuses on specific issues such as: market opportunities, technological constraints, stakeholders’ interrelations and declared goals related to the enterprise strategies. Furthermore, a study case is presented following the IPPMD methodology, which is supported by a reference map as part of the enterprise multilevel framework, and starts with a project scope definition and moves forward to the establishment of a particular product development model for a specific project, in this case: the development of a universal numerical control (UNC) machine.

Designing a S2-Enterprise (Smart x Sensing) Reference Model

The definition of the concept of S2-Enterprise (Smart x Sensing) reference model is presented. The S2 Reference Model (S2-RM) is targeted to assist in the system specification and development of future computer based systems, which support the creation of this concept. It is a hybrid reference model that includes Enterprise Integration Engineering Concepts and Interoperability models. The Reference Model for Open Distributed Processing or RM-ODP is used as the basis to define S2-RM because it allows the definition of the structure and characteristic of the Smart and Sensing systems in terms of five different views (enterprise, information, computational, engineering and technology). The importance of using reference models for the definition, design and implementation of S2-Enterprise systems is outlined. A pilot system has been developed using a micro-factory concept and a collaborative networked organization.

Open Innovation Laboratory for Rapid Realisation of Sensing, Smart and Sustainable Products: Motives, Concepts and Uses in Higher Education

Open Innovation is not a new concept and it is been actively used by different entities to cope with new challenges posed by the evolving society in business, science and education. However, for this last one seems to be poor documentation about how higher education institutions are dealing with it. It is evident that universities are applying concepts like Open Innovation Laboratories, however it is not clear the methodologies or resources they are using. Tecnologico de Monterrey recently created its own laboratory and in this article we present the motives, concepts and uses of it in the context of higher education. Different approaches are made, from the development of core competences concepts to the physical and virtual tools used in the lab. Two study cases are briefly presented in order to illuminate how external actors are collaborating with internal actors in an Open Innovation process.

Web-based Distributed Process Planning for Turning Operations in Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries have limited economic resources and skilled personnel to utilize manufacturing technology, in an environment in which the product development cycle is expected to be short and the quality of the manufactured items has to meet high standards at reduced cost. In this environment, SME’s need low cost manufacturing automation in order to compete. This paper describes a framework for low cost integration of distributed engineering applications on the Web, with emphasis on CAPP and CAM functions for turning operations. The proposed approach is based on Web Services technology for CAPP/CAM system integration.