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  • 1.
    Abdul, Nishan
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Palmborg, Henrik
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Analys och lösningsförslag för logistik inom Volvo Powertrain2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Volvo Powertrain in Skövde is a factory that manufactures truck and bus engines with various volumes. The factory has several departments and functions that together make up the three main parts: foundry, processing, and assembly. One of these departments is logistics, which has the task of organizing internal logistics activities at the company. The logistics department strives to provide good customer service with low costs and environmental impact. The work carried out concerns parts of the current data management system used within the departments warehouse management structure. The current system is not very user-friendly which makes it difficult to get an overview of the storage areas. This, together with other problems, causes the logistics department to experience the system as time-consuming and deficient. The purpose of this work is to produce solution proposals that address the shortcomings of the current system utilizing minimal investments, while facilitating data management and providing better visualization of the warehouses. The methods chosen to achieve the purpose of the work are motivated by a literature study.

    To compare solution proposals, standard IEEE-830 was used as a basis for producing a requirements specification. The requirements specification based on observations and interviews conducted with the logistics department. The solution proposals presented are based on interviews conducted at other sites within the Volvo Group and have been compared with the requirements specification to see how well they fit the needs of the logistics department. The methods used during the execution of the work are also discussed, and finally, recommendations are made for future work.

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  • 2.
    Adamson, Göran
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Holm, Magnus
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Moore, Philip
    Academy of Innovation & Research, Falmouth University, Cornwall, United kingdom.
    Wang, Lihui
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre. KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
    A Cloud Service Control Approach for Distributed and Adaptive Equipment Control in Cloud Environments2016In: Procedia CIRP, ISSN 2212-8271, E-ISSN 2212-8271, Vol. 41, p. 644-649Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    A developing trend within the manufacturing shop-floor domain is the move of manufacturing activities into cloud environments, as scalable, on-demand and pay-per-usage cloud services. This will radically change traditional manufacturing, as borderless, distributed and collaborative manufacturing missions between volatile, best suited groups of partners will impose a multitude of advantages. The evolving Cloud Manufacturing (CM) paradigm will enable this new manufacturing concept, and on-going research has described many of its anticipated core virtues and enabling technologies. However, a major key enabling technology within CM which has not yet been fully addressed is the dynamic and distributed planning, control and execution of scattered and cooperating shop-floor equipment, completing joint manufacturing tasks.

    In this paper, the technological perspective for a cloud service-based control approach is described, and how it could be implemented. Existing manufacturing resources, such as soft, hard and capability resources, can be packaged as cloud services, and combined to create different levels of equipment or manufacturing control, ranging from low-level control of single machines or devices (e.g. Robot Control-as-a-Service), up to the execution of high level multi-process manufacturing tasks (e.g. Manufacturing-as-a-Service). A multi-layer control approach, featuring adaptive decision-making for both global and local environmental conditions, is proposed. This is realized through the use of a network of intelligent and distributable decision modules such as event-driven Function Blocks, enabling run-time manufacturing activities to be performed according to actual manufacturing conditions. The control system’s integration to the CM cloud service management functionality is also described.

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  • 3.
    Adamson, Göran
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Holm, Magnus
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Wang, Lihui
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Event-Driven Adaptability using IEC 61499 in Manufacturing Systems2012In: Proceedings of The 5th International Swedish Production Symposium, SPS12 / [ed] Mats Björkman, Linköping: The Swedish Production Academy , 2012, p. 453-460Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Different kinds of uncertainty, such as variations in manufacturing capability and functionality, as well as changes in demand, make up a dynamically changing environment for many manufacturing systems of today. The ability to adapt to these unforeseen changes, through dynamic decision-making as well as dynamic control capabilities based on the use of real-time manufacturing information and intelligence, is vital to be able to perform at a competitive level while reducing unscheduled downtime. The event-driven Function Block (FB) model of the IEC 61499 standard, as opposed to the time-triggered and data-driven concept of IEC 61331, supports this approach, making it possible to handle, in a responsive and adaptive way, different kinds of uncertainty. Our objective is to develop methodologies for distributed, adaptive and dynamic process planning as well as machine monitoring and control for machining and assembly operations, using event-driven FBs. The implementation and testing of FB-based control for manufacturing equipment has been successfully realized in prototype systems, with control of both CNC machining and robotic assembly operations. The approach of using IEC 61499 FBs for adaptive control in other applications is also investigated, as an adaptive decision support system for operators at manufacturing facilities is under development. We strongly believe that IEC 61499 will play a major role in the shift to adaptive manufacturing systems.

  • 4.
    Adamson, Göran
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Wang, Lihui
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre. Department of Production Engineering Royal Institute of Technology 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
    Holm, Magnus
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    The state of the art of cloud manufacturing and future trends2013In: Proceedings of the ASME 2013 International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference MSEC2013 June 10-14, 2013, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, ASME - The American Society of Mechanical Engineers , 2013, Vol. 2, p. Article number-, article id MSEC2013-1123Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Cloud manufacturing has emerged as a new manufacturing paradigm, which combines technologies (such as Internet of Things, Cloud computing, semantic Web, virtualisation and service-oriented technologies) with advanced manufacturing models, information and communication technologies. It aims to be networked, intelligent, service-oriented, knowledge-based and energy efficient, and promises a variety of benefits and advantages by providing fast, reliable and secure on-demand services for users. It is envisioned that companies in all sectors of manufacturing will be able to package their resources and know-hows in the Cloud, making them conveniently available for others through pay-as-you-go, which is also timely and economically attractive. Resources, e.g. manufacturing software tools, applications, knowledge and fabrication capabilities, will then be made accessible to presumptive consumers on a worldwide basis. After surveying a vast array of available publications, this paper presents an up-to-date literature review together with future trends and research directions in Cloud manufacturing.

  • 5.
    Adamson, Göran
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Wang, Lihui
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre. Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Holm, Magnus
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Moore, Philip
    Falmouth University, Cornwall, UK.
    Adaptive Robot Control as a Service in Cloud Manufacturing2015In: ASME 2015 International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference: Volume 2: Materials; Biomanufacturing; Properties, Applications and Systems; Sustainable Manufacturing, ASME Press, 2015, Vol. 2, p. Paper No. MSEC2015-9479-Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The interest for implementing the concept of Manufacturing-as-a-Service is increasing as concepts for letting the manufacturing shop-floor domain take advantage of the cloud appears. Combining technologies such as Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Semantic Web, virtualisation and service-oriented technologies with advanced manufacturing models, information and communication technologies, Cloud Manufacturing (CM) is emerging as a new manufacturing paradigm. The ideas of on-demand, scalable and pay-for-usage resource-sharing in this concept will move manufacturing towards distributed and collaborative missions in volatile partnerships. This will require a control approach for distributed planning and execution of cooperating manufacturing activities. Without control based on both global and local environmental conditions, the advantages of CM will not be fulfilled.

    By utilising smart and distributable decision modules such as event-driven FBs, run-time manufacturing operations in a distributed environment may be adjusted to prevailing manufacturing conditions. Packaged in a cloud service for manufacturing equipment control, it will satisfy the control needs in CM. By combining different resource types, such as hard, soft and capability resources, the cloud service Robot Control-as-a-Service can be realised.

    This paper describes the functional perspective and enabling technologies for a control approach for robotic assembly tasks in CM, and describes a scenario for its implementation.

  • 6.
    Adamson, Göran
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Wang, Lihui
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre. Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Holm, Magnus
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Moore, Philip
    Falmouth University, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
    Feature-Based Adaptive Manufacturing Equipment Control for Cloud Environments2016In: Proceedings of the ASME 11th International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference, 2016, vol 2, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) , 2016, article id UNSP V002T04A019Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The ideas of on-demand, scalable and pay-for-usage resource-sharing in Cloud Manufacturing are steadily attracting more interest. For implementing the concept of Manufacturing as-a-Service in a cloud environment, description models and implementation language for resources and their capabilities are required. A standardized approach for systemived virtualization, servisilisation, retrieval, selection and composition into higher levels of functionality is necessary. For the collaborative sharing and use of networked manufacturing resources there is also a need for a control approach for distributed manufacturing equipment. In this paper, the technological perspective for an adaptive cloud service-based control approach is described, and a supporting information model for its implementation. The control is realized through the use of a network of intelligent and distributable Function Block decision modules, enabling run-time manufacturing activities to be performed according to actual manufacturing conditions. The control system's integration to the cloud service management functionality is described, as well as a feature-level capability model and the use of ontologies and the Semantic Web.

  • 7.
    Adattil, Ruksana
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Thorvald, Peter
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Romero, David
    Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico.
    Assessing the Psychosocial Impacts of Industry 4.0 Technologies Adoption in the Operator 4.0: Literature Review & Theoretical Framework2024In: International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, ISSN 2217-2661, Vol. 15, no 1, p. 59-80Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Emerging digital and smart technologies, including wearable and collaborative ones, related to the Industry 4.0 paradigm are playing an assisting, collaborative, and augmenting role for the Operator 4.0, and just as in previous industrial revolutions, the nature of work and the workplace for operators on the shop floor is changing. This literature review aims to look into the impact of digital and smart technologies adoption on the workers’ psychosocial stage under the light of the Operator 4.0 typology. Based on the review conducted, a theoretical framework for assessing the psychosocial impacts (risks) of Industry 4.0 technologies adoption in Operator 4.0 is proposed. The framework can be utilized by company managers, researchers, production engineers, and human resources personnel for carrying out a psychosocial risk assessment of Operator 4.0 in assembly, maintenance, and training operations as these operations get digitally transformed and smartified based on self-report questionnaires. Findings reveal that the nature of work, the social and organizational environment of work, and related individual factors are key categories that might affect the Operator 4.0 psychosocial stage on the shop floor.

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  • 8.
    Adawi, Rahim
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Preventing fatal effects of overworking: Product design solution2018Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    “Overworking to death” is a phenomenon that has been noticeable in developing countries. The cause of death is mainly through ischemic strokes. While the victims’ occupations differed, they all shared a common characteristic, being positioned in a sedentary work, ranging from IT workers to doctors. This project’s aim was to develop a product that prevented or decreased the strokes that derived from sedentary overwork. This was mainly tackled by preventing one of the three causes of developing blood props, slowed blood flow. In order to gather rich data of the phenomenon, a qualitative study was conducted in China, during two months. By doing an extensive structured sampling, information rich data could be gathered during a short period of time. Data were derived from observations, questionnaires and an interview, which then was interpreted to customer needs and the final product specification. The final product became a trouser with an in built dynamic compression mechanic, that can compress the veins mostly during sitting activities, in order to prevent blood stasis. The compression mechanic works like the Chinese finger trap; compressing the calves while sitting and stretching the legs forward. It is made only out of polysaccharides fibres; cotton and corn.

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    PREVENTING FATAL EFFECTS OF OVERWORKING – PRODUCT DESIGN SOLUTION / Rahim_Adawi
  • 9.
    Adolfsson, Anton
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Norelius, Mattias
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Reducering av kundreklamationer på ett tillverkande företag med hjälp av lean- och produktionstekniska verktyg2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Kinnarps is a company that manufactures office furniture and provides workplace solutions for offices and public environments. This project is performed at a manual workstation that packages table legs, this station is responsible for a significant amount of customer complaint costs due to wrong table legs being packaged and sent to the customers. The purpose of this project is to present suggestions for improvement that reduce the risk of packaging errors by using production tools and methods. To achieve the purpose of this project a data collection is to be performed by analyzing historical data and performing observations and interviews. After the data collection the cause of the event is to be found.Theory used to strengthen the choice of methods performed is presented in the theoretical frame of reference. Similar projects have also been studied and are presented in the literature review. The similar projects that were studied can in some way be related to this project and its conclusions.The empirical study was performed by analyzing historical data of the last years customer complaints costs, observations according to the gemba methodology, interviews and conversations with the staff. The costs of customer complaints for the last year was around 723 000 SEK. With the results of the performed methods an Ishikawa diagram was created to identify the causes of the packaging errors. The Ishikawa diagram combined with the theoretical frame of reference and literature review was used to develop three suggestions for improvement that help reduce the amount of customer complaints caused by packaging errors.All suggestions for improvement have been validated by analyzing the effectiveness, cost and the amount of work needed to implement the suggestions. The validations process resulted in a barcode scanner being the most suitable suggestion. By implementing a barcode scanner, the customer complaints could be reduced by an estimate of 92% which corresponds to saving around 665 000 SEK per year in customer complaint costs.

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  • 10.
    Agic, Adnan
    et al.
    Seco Tools AB, Fagersta, Sweden ; Department of Engineering Science, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden.
    Gutnichenko, Oleksandr
    Division of Production and Materials Engineering, Lund University, Sweden.
    Eynian, Mahdi
    Department of Engineering Science, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden.
    Ståhl, Jan-Eric
    Division of Production and Materials Engineering, Lund University, Sweden.
    Influence of cutting edge geometry on force build-up process in intermittent turning2016In: Procedia CIRP, ISSN 2212-8271, E-ISSN 2212-8271, Vol. 46, p. 364-367Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In the intermittent turning and milling processes, during the entry phase the cutting edges are subjected to high impact loads that can give rise to dynamical and strength issues which in general cause tool life reduction. In this study the effect of geometrical features of the cutting tool on the force generation during the entry phase is investigated. Cutting forces are measured by a stiff dynamometer at a high sampling frequency. In addition, the chip load area is analyzed and related to the measured cutting force. The results show that micro-geometrical features, in particular the protection chamfer, significantly affect the force generation during the entry phase.

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  • 11.
    Ahmed, Adell
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Analys och simulering av produktionsflödet på ett tillverkningsföretag: Simulering kombinerat med Lean-principer2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Production concurrence within manufacturing companies is continuously increasing due to production requirements and demand of mass produced customized goods. In order to meet customers’ requirements nowadays, companies need to increase customize production without suffering a loss of quality. In pursuance of an increased production on the main shop floor of the industrial partner involved in this project, the company investigates the idea of investing in an automated pressing machine to centralize the process outside different assembly lines. With the help of automation, simulation, and Lean, the potential of the company to reduce lead times to satisfy the customer needs can be increased.

    The aim of this final year project is to investigate the potential of a stator pressing machine to manage the supply of product parts to four assembly lines. One of the requirements is that the yearly volume of the new system could be increased by 50%.

    The methodology used in this study is based on Lean, simulation, and optimization. In order to have an overview of the problem, a situation analysis was made on the current production flow. Therefore, a data collection process was performed through observations, continuous communication with matter experts, and historical data. This data was used to analyze the system and feed the simulation model of the proposed new system. Different Lean tools were also used for the analysis and improvement of the system.

    The company presented ideas on how they wanted the production flow to look like, which were then further developed and used as a basis for the improvement suggestions. One requirement was that the solution had to be Lean inspired.

    The aim of the study was achieved by creating a simulation model to test how the system would behave in different configurations. A first scenario designed as a Pull flow system where the products were only produced according to demand. The second scenario was a Push based system without considering just-in-time production. The first scenario was presented as suggestion for final solution.

    The result from the simulation scenarios showed a clear difference between the two systems. The Pull flow was more suitable due to a drastic decrease in both number of products as work- in-progress and lead time. The final solution, using a Kanban method, and a suggestion for the production layout of the future production flow is presented in the report.

  • 12.
    Alkureidi, Haifaa
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Investigations on Industrial Practice of Virtual Commissioning2020Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Thanks to the advent of Industrial 4.0, automation, digitization, design, manufacturing and the production processes, have become the key to success and the cornerstone of manufacturing and marketing. Given that production is in a profound transformation stage with increasing global demand for products with specific uses tailored to customized needs, processes are also required to stay sync. This goal requires the adoption of advanced and pioneering technologies, and Virtual Commissioning (VC) is one of these tools that seek to achieve the best level of efficiency and benefit from the available assets. Virtual commissioning allows comprehensive testing of automation applications and provides a realistic training environment for operators even before the start of the factory, where these advanced technologies help to improve operations and retain knowledge, which leads to a reduction in operating time and a significant reduction in marketing time. There are three contributions in this thesis: firstly, systematic review methodology is applied to survey literature related to VC and it is found that the incorporation of virtual commissioning technology into manufacturing and automation is a large and huge field and has been widely discussed today in many recent research and studies. Then an industrial questionnaire is designed and conducted, totally 30 questionnaire forms are collected. Through data analysis, it is concluded that the virtual commissioning is a topic that has a lot of potential but is still in an early stage with some challenges to overcome, the application of virtual commissioning and its adoption by companies needs many capabilities, such as the availability of skills that must be available such as: competence skill of the employee on smart product, digital operation, IT infrastructure, data security, automation, data analytic, data exchange, application systems, and collaborative software. Finally, the key players in VC solutions and the comparison of their products are provided as a reference for potential applications.

  • 13.
    Almaida Rodríguez, Germán
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Cid Salmerón, Jose María
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Study of the influence of the angle between feed and flexibility direction on stability in milling: Experimental investigation of a theoretical prediction2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The study of this project has been carried out to analyse how the angle between feed direction and flexibility direction (𝜃 ) affects the milling process stability. Through this project, the aim is to determine whether the critical Depth of Cut (DOC) depends on 𝜃. In order to carry out this purpose, analytical and experimental results have been compared. The analytical calculations have been carried out to obtain the stability lobe diagram and a stability limit depending on 𝜃 , to compare them with four circular milling experiments. They increase continuously the DOC and also varies the Width of Cut (WOC), in addition different spindle speeds were utilized to perform them. The flexibility is fixed in the 𝑥 -axis and the feed direction changes continuously along the experiment, which allows the interaction between the critical DOC and all possible 𝜃 .The most relevant experiments were the second and third, as they showed the largest self-excited values. Moreover, it is determined that both analytical results correspond precisely, but it is considered that the experimental results do not match the analytical ones. No results are found that can be used to determine that 𝜃 influences the critical DOC. Furthermore, some results align with previous research in this field and some of them lead to future investigations.

  • 14.
    Almansa Fernández, Jesús Tomás
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Vargas Maqueda, Juan Pablo
    University of Skövde, School of Health Sciences.
    Virtual commissioning with virtual reality2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The industry is nowadays going through a transformation in networking technologies which leads to what it is called Industry 4.0. This stage of the industry is arriving from the hand of the internet of things. Having connected all the elements within a factory allows to control and keep track of them telematically. Virtual commissioning is in charge of designing, testing and debugging the system before it is even built. This project tries to approach virtual reality to virtual commissioning and create the virtual model of a human in these simulated environments. Technology allows introducing human interaction for many purposes such as operator training. To do this project properly a methodology will be followed for the design and creation. Once the background, frame of reference and literature review are established, the development can start. The development of the project has taken place alongside Simumatik Open Emulation Platform, consisting of creating the body of a person, as simple as possible, following ergonomics, into this platform for commissioning purposes. The model will be able to interact with the virtual environment like robots, boxes, and sensors. To sum up, the complexity of the model will be limited to the inputs coming from the head and the hands. There exist infinite solutions for which position should be the rest of the body, therefore, this project aims to fix some variables to find valid solutions. Finally, the project achieved building a digital human model in which the main goal was building the arms that are estimated. The model is capable of interact with Simumatik´s environment that has been created specifically to show the functionalities of this project, being detected for sensors and robots of the system.

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  • 15.
    Almer Casino, Ana
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Sempere Vicente, Miguel Ángel
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Autonomous medical robot2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Lack of healthcare assistance is one of the issues that European countries such as Sweden face due to the increase of the ageing phenomenon which leads to a higher demand for personnel in hospitals, basic attendance, and housing. Therefore, a tool is clearly required to fulfil these social needs. The thesis focuses on the elderly but especially on those with reduced mobility and develops a wheeled domestic mobile robot whose objective is to deliver their pills at the right time of the day. The main goal is the implementation of automatic drug delivery. The project presents a selection of the most suitable wheel-based robot, and a study and evaluation of different techniques and algorithms used for indoor positioning, navigation, facial recognition, and a communication interface between the patient and the robot.

    The robot used for the development of this thesis was the TurtleBot3 Burger and was evaluated upon a map created using the Hector SLAM method. Results showed that the Bluetooth technology (iBeacon), as well as the trilateration algorithm, are suitable choices for detecting a human in an indoor environment; a successful average drift error of 0.83 metres was obtained for indoor localization, and further results showed the facial recognition system achieved an accuracy of around 90%. It is concluded that the robot is capable of reaching and identifying the patient in an indoor environment, and so this project can be considered as the first step of implementation of a totally autonomous medical robot ready for domestic use.

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  • 16.
    Altrabulsy, Osama
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    A Simulation-based Optimization Approach for Automated Vehicle Scheduling at Production Lines2019Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The world becomes more integrated and sophisticated, especially in the birth of advanced technologies, which have influenced all life aspects. Automated systems could be considered an example of those aspects, which have been affected by recent changes in today’s life. The competition in the market is putting increasing pressure on different manufacturing organizations to find the best methods that enable them to stay up to date with the latest technologies in the industrial field. One of the most famous dilemmas that exist in this field is designing an efficient and flexible material handling system. This issue draws the attention of both decision-makers in different companies and software developers who put considerable effort into making that desired system real. Inclusive research needs to be performed to obtain such a system, and the most significant part of the research that requires special attention is the applied methodology.The approach to be adapted determines the degree of stability of a particular material handling system to function effectively in the case studied. Several methods are available and could be implemented to design that effective system such as meta-heuristic algorithms, and approaches that depend on simulation software tools. The latter approach, which is the simulation approach, seems to get increasing attention from developers of the industrial system since it plays a vital role in reducing the cost and preserving available resources. Besides, it helps predict future changes and scenarios of the system to be analyzed.In this project, a discrete-event simulation model was built for the proposed layout of the main shop floor owned by a Swedish manufacturing company. The corporation located in the south of Sweden, and it produces a vast range of manufacture of goods. The chosen methodology is a combination of lean, simulation, and optimization approaches. It has been implemented on the proposed layout in which material is handled into production lines by using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) as a means of transportation. The analysis of results shows potential benefits, where the production process became more efficient and organized since the operational cost has been reduced by decreasing the number of required vehicles. Moreover, the simulation approach facilitated testing new ideas and designing improved scenarios without the necessity to change the current state of the factory layout or disturbing the regular activities.

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  • 17.
    Amouzgar, Kaveh
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Ng, Amos H. C.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment. Division of Industrial Engineering and Management, Uppsala University, Sweden.
    Ljustina, Goran
    Volvo Car Corporation, ME PS Research and Technology, Skövde, Sweden.
    Optimizing index positions on CNC tool magazines considering cutting tool life and duplicates2020In: Procedia CIRP, ISSN 2212-8271, E-ISSN 2212-8271, Vol. 93, p. 1508-1513Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Minimizing the non-machining time of CNC machines requires optimal positioning of cutting tools on indexes (stations) of CNC machine turret magazine. This work presents a genetic algorithm with a novel solution representation and genetic operators to find the best possible index positions while tool duplicates and tools life are taken in to account during the process. The tool allocation in a machining process of a crankshaft with 10 cutting operations, on a 45-index magazine, is optimized for the entire life of the tools on the magazine. The tool-indexing time is considerably reduced compared to the current index positions being used in an automotive factory. 

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  • 18.
    Amouzgar, Kaveh
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment. Division of Industrial Engineering and Management, Uppsala University.
    Nourmohammadi, Amir
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Ng, Amos H. C.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment. Division of Industrial Engineering and Management, Uppsala University.
    Multi-objective optimisation of tool indexing problem: a mathematical model and a modified genetic algorithm2021In: International Journal of Production Research, ISSN 0020-7543, E-ISSN 1366-588X, Vol. 59, no 12, p. 3572-3590Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Machining process efficiencies can be improved by minimising the non-machining time, thereby resulting in short operation cycles. In automatic-machining centres, this is realised via optimum cutting tool allocation on turret-magazine indices – the “tool-indexing problem”. Extant literature simplifies TIP as a single-objective optimisation problem by considering minimisation of only the tool-indexing time. In contrast, this study aims to address the multi-objective optimisation tool indexing problem (MOOTIP) by identifying changes that must be made to current industrial settings as an additional objective. Furthermore, tool duplicates and lifespan have been considered. In addition, a novel mathematical model is proposed for solving MOOTIP. Given the complexity of the problem, the authors suggest the use of a modified strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm combined with a customised environment-selection mechanism. The proposed approach attained a uniform distribution of solutions to realise the above objectives. Additionally, a customised solution representation was developed along with corresponding genetic operators to ensure the feasibility of solutions obtained. Results obtained in this study demonstrate the realization of not only a significant (70%) reduction in non-machining time but also a set of tradeoff solutions for decision makers to manage their tools more efficiently compared to current practices. 

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  • 19.
    Andersen, Ann-Louise
    et al.
    Industrial Product Development, Production and Design, School of Engineering, Jönköping University, Sweden ; Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Denmark.
    Rösiö, Carin
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment. Industrial Product Development, Production and Design, School of Engineering, Jönköping University, Sweden.
    Continuing Engineering Education in Changeable and Reconfigurable Manufacturing – Implications of Problem-Based Learning in Industrial Practice2023In: International Journal of Engineering Education, ISSN 0949-149X, Vol. 39, no 5, p. 1118-1130Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Increasingly volatile and complex manufacturing environments make the continuous development of engineering professionals’ knowledge and competences in changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing a major source of competitiveness in manufacturing companies. Enablers of this include modular and platform-based product and manufacturing system design, as well as industry 4.0 related technologies and digitalisation. Therefore, this paper focuses on Continuing Engineering Education (CEE) in changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing and investigates the implications of applying a university-industry collaborative approach to Problem-based Learning (PBL) for CEE in company-settings. The paper builds on a four-year CEE initiative from Swedish manufacturing industry and includes insights from implementing a CEE course in changeable manufacturing, which was designed based on PBL principles and run as an industry-university cooperation for four consecutive years. Implications addressed in the paper relates to (1) PBL as a suitable approach for CEE, (2) Research transfer to industry through PBL-based CEE, and (3) industry-university collaboration for CEE, which provides valuable insights on how to conduct successful CEE in knowledge fields that are fast evolving in order to enable fast industry transitions. # 2023 TEMPUS Publications.

  • 20.
    Andersson, Daniel
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. andersson.daniel89@gmail.com.
    Andersson, David
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. davdii_@live.com.
    Produktionseffektivisering med hjälp av flödessimulering och förbättringsarbete2018Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    AB Furhoffs Rostfria is a company with its base in Skövde. They are specialists in the manufacturing of stainless-steel parts, such as plumbing products, floor wells and sinks. In addition to manufacturing their own products, the company also has a subcontract to manufacture other companies’ products.

    The department where this bachelor thesis will be conducted has a subcontract to manufacturing radar cones and treats only the production of the most frequent manufactured radar cones. The department consists of seven manufacturing steps and three additional steps for one of the details.

    The purpose of the bachelor thesis is to create a simulation model that shows how potential improvement proposals would meet the expected increase of the order intake of the radar cones by streamlining the current production flow. In order to achieve this, a simulation model has been created in which the improvement proposals have been implemented. The improvement proposals that have been tested are based on the data that has been collected through production engineering methods.

    The frame of references describes the theory that constitutes the foundation for the chosen methods. In addition, areas within discrete event simulation, lean production and improvement work have been studied from other works in the literature review. These areas can in some way relate to the work and conclusions of this project.

    The empirical study was conducted by using observations according to genchi genbutsu, conversations and interviews with operators, spaghetti diagrams of the operators and the product flow as well as time studies according to the continuous method. These methods have formed the basis for both the creation of the simulation model, where the current situation is reflected, and for the development of the future state simulation model. The future state simulation model shows the implementation of the improvement proposals that increases efficiency and production volume throughout the system.

    The empirical study resulted in a visual overview of the production flow, standard times, the identification of waste as well as improvement proposals. When all the improvement proposals were implemented, the hourly production was increased by 26.6% and the lead time was reduced by 21.1%. With these improvements, the company can increase their production and profit significantly.

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  • 21.
    Andersson, Martin
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society.
    Industrial scheduling with evolutionary algorithms using a hybrid representation2011Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Scheduling problems have been studied extensively in the literature but because they are so hard to solve, especially real-world problems, it is still interesting to find ways of solving them more efficiently. This thesis aims to efficiently solve a real-world scheduling problem by using a hybrid representation together with an optimisation algorithm. The aim of the hybrid representation is to allow the optimisation to focus on the parts of the scheduling problem where it can make the most improvement. The new approach used in this thesis to accomplish this goal, is the combination of simulation-based optimisation using genetic algorithms and dispatching rules. By using this approach, it is possible to investigate the effect of putting specified job sequences in certain machines and using dispatching rules in the other. The hypothesis is that the optimisation can use dispatching rules on non-bottleneck machines that have little impact on the overall performance of the line and some specified job sequences on bottleneck machines that are hard to be scheduled efficiently with dispatching rules. This would allow the optimisation to focus on the bottleneck machines and that would produce a more efficient search. The results from the case study shows it is a viable approach exceeding or equalling existing techniques. The hypothesis that the optimisation can focus its efforts is supported by a bottleneck analysis which corresponds with the experimental results from optimisations.

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  • 22.
    Andersson, My
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Human-robot collaboration on an assembly station with the ability to work reverse2020Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 12 credits / 18 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The automation level of today’s industries is categorized as high. Some specific areas cannot be fully automated, such as manual assembly operations. Manual assembly stations often require high flexibility due to variation in products and product types, and some operations also require human finesse for conducting the operations. A collaborative robot is produced to facilitate for the worker during operations and tasks, which can be categorized as non-ergonomically and repetitive. The technical specification for the collaborative robots is not yet fully developed, and therefore it might be hard to create a safe work environment.

    Design and creation is the research strategy used for the project, much due to the aim of creating something physical. The project aims to establish a demonstrator, and introduce a collaborative robot, a UR5 for human-robot collaboration for a manual assembly operations with the ability to work reverse. The fictional workflows implemented in the demonstrator are established with influence from real manual assembly operations and parts included in an engine of a truck. The widgets identified and included in the workflows are created and 3D-printed. The main goal for the project is to establish a collaboration between the worker and the robot and create a baseline for a future safety evaluation conducted on the demonstrator. The project included identification of equipment and widgets necessary, the layout of the demonstrator, workflow establishment for both assembly and disassembly, together with the configuration of the equipment and programming of the collaborative robot.

    Safety standards concerning robots and collaborative robots, together with the technical specification not yet fully developed, worked as a base during the establishment of the workflow, configuration of the equipment, and programming of the robot.

    The established workflow can work both for assembly and disassembly. The workflow includes tasks that are performed separately, together, and simultaneous on the same workpiece. Experiments have been conducted on the established workflows, and observations conducted on the tasks performed. Aspects, such as time consumption for individual tasks, risk identification of quasi-static and transient contacts, and gripper position have been included during the observation.

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  • 23.
    Andersson, My
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Hovbjer, Samantha
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Från manuella monteringstationer till människa-robot samarbete: Framtagning av en specifikation för HRC2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    As industry 4.0 is rising companies are obliged to work to increase their quality, flexibility and reduce their changeover time. The final year project is written for Högskolan I Skövde and Volvo GTO with focus to identify possible human-robot collaboration tasks in a manual assembly line. The main objective for the thesis is to developed a method for a specification for implementation of virtual collaboration station.

    A central point for the thesis is sustainable development. By reducing non ergonomically and stressful tasks, social sustainability can be increased which can lead to lead to less scrap and quality deviation.

    Presumptions for the thesis are analyzed and discussed where standardized work is a central and important part. Four general collaborations methods are mentioned. A specific collaborative robot where used and its proficiency analyzed during the work, a UR10e. Previous researched mentioned the safety issue related to implementation of a collaborative robot. A recommendation to properly ensure the safety is to perform a risk assessment when the work sequence and layout is generated.

    To identify potential tasks for the collaborative robot data related to the defined stations needs to be analyzed. The conclusion was that only one station included all the five identified potential tasks for the collaborative robot. This resulted in an adjustment of the work order for the selected station and thereby create a human robot collaboration.

    Two implementation suggestions where created and differed only in the location of a specific component. The new position for the component requires a reorganization of the material handling to the station. There are two categories of product variants and the new working sequences reduce the work load because tasks are performed by the robot.

    The generated method to create a specification is based on the work performed during the thesis. This method includes recommendation and methods which will facilitate similar projects. Standardize work is a key factor to create similar prerequisites.

    A recommendation for continual work is to create a virtual environment where a risk assessment can take place in order to generate a safe work environment.

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  • 24.
    Andersson, Rasmus
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Hellgren, Martin
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    ÖKAD PRODUKTIVITET GENOM STÄLLTIDSREDUCERING: En fallstudie2014Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Kongsberg Automotive (KA) is a company operating in the highly competitive automotive industry. At one of its plants located in Mullsjö, assembling of gear transmission systems is taking place. KA sees a need to increase capacity in the section by increasing productivity. A large potential for improvement are identified during the changeover between different product variants in the assembly section. The setup time reduction is expected to increase the productivity in the assembly section, which also contributes to increased flexibility in order to competitively meet customer’s flexible needs. In order to determine the starting position at the improvement work, a situation analysis and suggestions for improvement to reduce setup time can be worked out. Implementation of improvement suggestions can then be adopted. In order to document the current situation and to demonstrate improvements in the setup time reduction a simulation model was establishes. The simulation model will demonstrate an example of when to use production simulation tool.

    To implement the setup time reduction SMED (Single -Minute Exchange of Die) is used, originally developed to reduce the setup time for the press machines. The method aims at reducing setup time to under 10 minutes, the "single- minute'. Through video documentation, participant observation, and further data collection methods the present situation could be determined. This created a good picture of the operations carried out and the time consumption it corresponded to. To verify the data of the current situation timing of work elements according to snapback method was conducted. The simulation model is constructed after Banks twelve-step method with the data gathered during the project. The model is then verified against the situation analysis. When improvement proposals were formulated the values were added ​​into the model, which corresponded to the calculated time improvement proposals. The improvement proposals for the setup time are partly produced by the project, but also through a workshop with staff at KA and focusing on the five previously identified problem areas. The improvement proposals were evaluated on the workshop through a pick chart.

    Five elaborate improvements that require little effort but gives a great effect was presented to KA. To verify theoretical calculations, a pilot with four of the five improvements temporarily implemented. The results showed a reduction of setup time from 38 minutes to 3.7 minutes, which corresponds to an improvement of 90.3%.  The analysis also shows that the improvement creates a reduction in the production rate in normal assembly. In total, the improvements in this project increase OEE value in assembly section with 4.2%. Even so, one of the stated objectives of the project will not be achieved since the setup time activities are too small part of the available time in the assembly section.

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  • 25.
    Andersson, Rinat
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Johansson, Martin
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Underlag för beslut av investering i ny utrustning2016Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
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  • 26.
    Andersson, Viktor
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Abdul-Rahman, William
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Framtagning av en modulär barstomme2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Widab is a company located in Hjo, with part of their sales and project organization in Stockholm. They offer complete services and products within commercial kitchens for restaurants, pubs and hotels. The mission includes developing a modular bar for Widab, as they have the ambition to include it in their assortment. The goal with the bar is primarily to be modular, but also cater an easier distribution and also assembly and disassembly by applying the method Design For Manufacturing and Assembly, which will be referred to as DFMA in this report. This is something that Widab have struggled with, with their previous bars. They are awkward and take unnecessary large space when delivering them and that they are not flexible when it comes to assembly. This bar should be configurable even after an order, if the user wants to move it or adjust it in any other way. This is something that the market has not fully figured out yet. A well planned product development process has been used to generate the final product, were methods such as interviews, surveys, Morphological matrix, Six thinking hats, Idea evaluation and Concept weighting matrix have been used. The project resulted in a bar with segments that are modular, where the user can configure the segments based on their own needs. The segments are placed next to each other in desired order and space and are held together with the countertop on the upper side. These segments and the inventories can be configured in different ways, independent of order and space. Movement of the bar is possible due to the existing wheels.

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  • 27.
    Andreasson, Rebecca
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics. University of Skövde, The Informatics Research Centre. Department of Information Technology, Visual Information and Interaction, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Lindblom, Jessica
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics. University of Skövde, The Informatics Research Centre.
    Thorvald, Peter
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Tool use and collaborative work of dock assembly in practice2017In: Production & Manufacturing Research, ISSN 2169-3277, Vol. 5, no 1, p. 164-190Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In order to deepen the understanding of the intrinsic interactions andinterplay between humans, tools, and environment from a systemsperspective, research in the wild (RITW) approaches have gainedtraction during recent decades as they provide a higher ecologicalvalidity of findings. This paper presents a RITW study, investigatinghow assembly, in this case dock assembly of forwarders, was donein practice. As our theoretical foundation, we used the framework ofdistributed cognition, which is one of the main pillars of RITW. Thefindings are presented in narrative form, describing and highlightingthat the workers achieve an efficient production outcome by beingintegral parts of the whole production process and doing so throughcoordination of activities benefitting the shared goal of the distributedsocio-technical system.

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  • 28.
    Antonsson, Arvid
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Hermansson, Gustaf
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    System analysis, improvement and visualisation of a manufacturing workflow, using discrete-event simulation: A combination of discrete-event simulation and lean manufacturing2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This project has been initiated in cooperation with a Swedish manufacturing company. Due to increased demand and competition, the company wants to streamline its production process, increase the degree of automation and visualize specific workflows. By creating a frame of reference and a literature review, a theoretical basis for methods and concepts which has been utilized throughout the project has been obtained. With the help of the identified methods and methodologies, a current state analysis was performed. Using traditional Lean tools such as Genchi genbutsu, Ishikawa diagram and a 5-why analysis, in combination with time studies and interviews, the current state of the studied system was successfully mapped and analysed. With the help of the current state analysis, which served as a conceptual model, a simulation model of the current state was created in order to handle the large variety and the complexity of the system. The simulation model was validated and verified in order to ensure that it was “good enough” for the purpose of this project in the depiction of the real world system. During the experimental design, several improvement suggestions were created by utilizing methods such as brainstorming, Ishikawa diagram and a 5-why analysis. In a Kaizen event, onsite personnel had the opportunity to decide which suggestions that was fit for experimentation using simulation. With the result of the Kaizen event, experiments were performed in order to evaluate the proposed improvement suggestion. As a result, several new insights regarding improvements could be obtained, which provided several suggestions for an improved future state. Including a proposed automated cell. The analysis of the results did not entirely satisfy the aim of the project since certain factors could not be analysed, therefore the authors recommend that further studies are needed if proposed improvement suggestions are to be implemented.

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  • 29.
    Aranda Avila, Fermin
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    González Hernández-Carrillo, José María
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Strategy to assess workstation ergonomics using virtual models of production2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are a disadvantage for companies both from the health and economics view. To reduce them, workstation ergonomics need to be accounted for. Previous ergonomics assessments involved spreadsheets filled and analysed by ergonomists and were regarded as time and resource-consuming, but recent improvements in virtual reality (VR), motion capture (MoCap) and digital human modeling (DHM) tools have open new options for analyses. Workstation redesign is one of the most common ways to improve working conditions, but a proper strategy that allows recording a sequence of actions using VR and assesses ergonomics is needed.

    Limitations: The strategy was designed for Simumatik, software for virtual commissioning of workstations that wanted to also consolidate itself as a DHM tool. Simumatik and HTC Vive were used as MoCap system and Ergonomics in production platform (EPP) as the assessment tool.

    Method: Literature review – prestudies and definition of use cases to test strategy and implement in it - requirements and wishes – strategy development – validation of use cases – evaluation.

    Results: Compared to manual simulations performed manually in IPS IMMA where the user performs same tasks, the strategy output accuracy of 73.3%. However, there are some misinterpretations to fix within the performance of the strategy that would fairly raise it and make the study more realistic, concerning the use cases studied. These mistakes include the posture prediction of the neck and some minor issues with the performance of the use cases.

    The number of resources vs. development was also studied and it showed that fixing the minor mistakes would raise accuracy close to 80% in the use cases. Adding a chest tracker could make it close to 100% compared to manual simulations in IPS IMMA.

    Conclusions: The strategy steps were tested and concluded that worked fine, because of the accuracy reached. However, further development of all the parts concerning the strategy is needed. The aim reached was to achieve rough results that could democratize physical ergonomics assessments.

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  • 30.
    Arenas Izquierdo, Cristina
    et al.
    Universidad de Granada, Spanien.
    Lainez Ortega, Marcos
    Universidad de Granada, Spanien.
    Emulation of an AVG: Exploring Virtual Commissioning of Automated Guided Vehicles2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The manufacturing industry is currently being digitalized to make production more efficient. One of the tools that are being implemented in such industries is Virtual Commissioning (VC). In this context, Jernbro Industries wants to keep up with this trend; they wish to know how feasible it is to perform Virtual Commissioning of their Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV). That said, the project aims to investigate and evaluate the feasibility of building and using a virtual model of an AGV for future Virtual Commissioning. A 3-phase process (characterization, creation and emulation) is used following a design and creation methodology. After studying the frame of reference and literature review of this project, the development takes place. This development, which has been done with the Simumatik Open Emulation Platform, consists of examining each AGV’s component, thinking how its operation can be reproduced, building it, integrating it into the same system. Finally, it will be emulated, using the control program that has been written. Some of the conclusions that have been drawn are that the complexity of this kind of system resides in the physics of the device and the level of detail that wants to be achieved. However, creating the functional and visual part of the components is an achievable task besides it is time-consuming.

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  • 31.
    Arucaj, Behar
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Karlsson, Lennart
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Analys av dokumentation och internlogistik av färdiga produkter2019Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    This final year project is performed at a Company that produces products in wood that protects prop-erty from fire, sound and burglary and are being produced for any kind of environment where security is a requirement. Such as housing, hotel, hospital, shopping malls and so on. The Company’s products are sold at markets in Scandinavia and in other countries by partner Companies. The Company has innovative design for their products and the production technology is developed within the Company. The Company works constantly with improvements and more efficient production technology. Due to the vigorous growth that the Company had has the last years, focus has been on adapting production to demand, which has led to that internal logistics is fallen behind. Management is experiencing that handling of material from final assembly to delivery for transport to customer is ineffective and takes a lot of resources in time and movements. They also experience that the manual handling of docu-ments at final assembly is hard to understand and often creates problems, especially when new staff is employed.The purpose of the project is to submit one or more improvement suggestions on how the material handling in the area from final assembly to delivery can be optimized, which also includes manual document handling. The aim of the project is to identify and analyse activities that will form the basis for the improvement of non-value creation activities as well as more optimized material and docu-ment management through theoretical and production methods. When it comes to manual document management, the writers, supported by theory and literature studies, should propose alternative methods of document management.To create a structure and achieve the purpose and target in order to get realizable improvement pro-posals, the tool PDCA has been applied in A3-format. To find relevant methods in collect data to this work, studies in theory and literature where made. In that way the writers of this bachelor thesis got a deeper understanding and ideas about suitable and efficient methods available to collect necessary data.The analysis of current status shows that a major part of the total time in order to put together an order for deliverance where used to localize pallets and execute castling’s to get a pallet that should be delivered to the Customer. About 80% of total time of processing an order was due to this activity. Further an average of 8 lifts where performed to move a pallet to the delivery storage. Rootcase- and risk analysis have been performed which, together with time- and frequency studies, have shown major economic consequencesThe improvement proposals that are generated are designed from the results of the empiric studies with connections to the theoretical framework and studies in literature. Proposals of a conventional pallet rack, releasing of area in storage and usage of readers of barcode are presented with reasoned advantages, where the storage can be more productive, functional and secure to reduce unnecessary searching and castling’s. Furthermore, proposals of digitalized documents are being presented to integrate quality assurance. Waists as movements and overproduction would be eliminated as fewer faults would arise, as for example: sloppy notes in documents and/or lost document that are a couple of today’s issues at the Company.

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  • 32.
    Arufors, Robert
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Reducerad tidsvariation vid monteringsmoment2019Independent thesis Basic level (university diploma), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
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  • 33.
    Arwesved, Ella
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Förslag på utformning av arbetsplats och bemanningsfördelning för kapningsprocess2020Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Migu Mekaniska is a cutting and processing company located in Tidan, outside of Skövde. The business was founded in 1980 and consists today of ten 3- and 5-axis CNC-machines. The company produces components based on contracts with other companies and works as a subcontractor. The raw material which is handled and used consists of rods in different lengths and thicknesses.The current problem at the company concerns the process of handling raw material and three cutting machines which provide the remaining production with materials for further processing. The intention is to design the workstation so that the cutting machines do not have to be manned all the time and that workers can staff the station only when cutting material is required. The time remaining should be used for assisting and value adding activities. The aim of the work is to systematically illuminate areas for proposals on how material handling and cutting of raw materials can be designed and staffed.A substantial theoretical frame of reference as well as an account of relevant literature and accomplished studies, contributes to strengthen the used methods and implementation. Literature and studies are evaluated and compared between each other and analyzed for the benefit of the work. Through interviews, conversations, observations and work sampling studies and spaghetti diagrams, waste is identified as well as aspects for future improvement work.With the support of literature and theory as well as results from data collected, the improvement proposals are validated based on pros and cons and through a PICK-chart diagram. Based on this methodology, a recommend proposal for further implementation is presented. The proposal is consisting of a pulling system based on the ConWIP methodology and through an interactive and visual whiteboard.After completing the work, several interesting areas were discussed, where recommendations for future work also got presented. One important aspect that became clear was the implementation of the Lean philosophy and its importance for long-term and sustainable solutions. The initially described and presented issues and sub-objectives, were clearly embraced throughout the work and fulfilled within its purpose.

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  • 34.
    Aslam, Tehseen
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Goienetxea Uriarte, Ainhoa
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Svensson, Henrik
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics. University of Skövde, Informatics Research Environment.
    Education of the Future: Learnings and Experiences from Offering Education to Industry Professionals2022In: SPS2022: Proceedings of the 10th Swedish Production Symposium / [ed] Amos H. C. Ng; Anna Syberfeldt; Dan Högberg; Magnus Holm, Amsterdam; Berlin; Washington, DC: IOS Press, 2022, p. 665-676Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Digitalization is forcing the industry to rethink current practices in all business domains, pushing for a digital transformation of business and operations at a high rate and, thus, paving the way for new business models and making others redundant. For small and medium-sized companies (SME), in particular, it is an enormous challenge to keep up with the pace of technological development. Several initiatives have argued the industry’s need for continuous digitalization, innovation, transformation ability, and future skills and competencies development. However, the advancement of the Swedish industry in this area has been uneven, where larger organizations have begun their digital transformation journey to some extent, but SMEs risk falling behind. In addition to the technological transformation, the challenges regarding the industries’ skills supply need to be solved, where a workforce with the right competencies, knowledge, and skill sets are equally, if not more, important for remaining competitive. One of the key elements to face these challenges in the companies will be to recruit knowledgeable employees or re-skill the existing ones. Efficient access to relevant knowledge and skills is still a major concern for companies that will surely affect their competitiveness for a long time to come. This paper elaborates on the opportunities and challenges that Swedish universities face in the context of lifelong learning and education for industry professionals. The paper presents results and experiences gained from a lifelong learning project for industry professionals at the University of Skövde in collaboration with ten industry partners. The results from the project show that in addition to pedagogical methods, current structures and policies within academia need to be further developed to effectively serve industry professionals. The paper also presents a concept of education for industry professionals in the lifelong learning context based on the results and experience gained from the project.

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  • 35.
    Aslam, Tehseen
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Ng, Amos H. C.
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Karlsson, Ingemar
    University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Integrating System Dynamics and Multi-Objective Optimization for Manufacturing Supply Chain Analysis2012In: Proceedings of the 5th Swedish Production symposium (SPS'12), 2012, p. 433-441Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this paper is to address the dilemma of Supply Chain Management (SCM) within a truly Pareto-based multi-objective context. This is done by introducing an integration of System Dynamics and Multi-Objective Optimization. Specifically, the paper contrasts local optimization with global optimization for SCM in which optimal trade-off solutions in the entity level, i.e. optimizing the supply chain from the perspectives of individual (local) entities. e.g., supplier, factory, distributor and retailer, are collected and compared to those obtained from an overall supply chain level (global) optimization. An extended version of the well-known pedagogical SCM problem, the Beer Game, originally developed at MIT since the 1960s, has been used as the illustrative example. As will be discussed in the paper, the integrated multi-objective optimization and system dynamics model has been shown to be very useful for revealing that how the parameters in the Beer Game affect the optimality of the three common SCM objectives, namely, the minimization of inventory, backlog, and the bullwhip effect.

  • 36.
    Awawda, Lama
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Design of an electric motor (PMSM) & manufacturing lab2021Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    The thesis presents deals with the design, analysis, test and control of permanent magnetsynchronous motor(PMSM).

    An analytical model was carried out based on the d-q frame and the equivalent circuit of PMSM, theanalytical model gives an approximation value of the machine parameters and is carried out byequations from the listed references. this phase includes many iteration steps, once the results wereobtained they were compared with the motor specifications and if they don’t match the requiredspecifications the process must be done again until the desired design is obtained.

    Once the analytical model is obtained a Finite Element Simulation was carried out using FEMMsoftware to validate the design, in this phase the designed machine in the analytical model isanalyzed and validated, once the simulation is done the results from both models are compared anddiscussed in the results chapter.

    It’s important to mark that during the design phase some design parameters were affected andlimited by some factors, for example, the air gap length has been magnified due to manufacturinglimits.

    The manufacturing process and the prototype building have been started once the optimal designwas selected, the manufacturing process was explained and a comparison study was made to selectthe best manufacturing process suitable and available for this thesis.

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  • 37.
    Axelsson, Joel
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Lindberg, Jonas
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Effektivisering av discrete event simulation-modelleringsprocessen2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [sv]

    Det ställs allt högre krav på industrier att anpassas efter rådande förhållanden med produktvariationsefterfrågan som fluktuerar och det finns behov av verktyg som förbättrar beslutfattningsprocessen. Diskret händelsesimulering (DES) är ett verktyg som kan underlättabeslutstöd men är enligt industriell praxis förknippat med höga kostnader, särskilt för mindre verksamheter då det kräver en speciell kompetens och erfarenhet som kräver mycket tid att erhålla. Undersökt litteratur beskriver DES som ett lämpligt verktyg för beslutshantering, bl.a. kan simulering användas för att experimentera utan att påverka ett system. Att experimentera med ett virtuellt system och analysera resultaten kan ge positiva effekter för den hållbara utvecklingen genom att skaffa mer kunskap inför beslut om vad som kan förväntas av tänktförändring. Studiens syfte var att undersöka vad som kan göra simuleringsmodelleringsprocessen effektivare, mindre kostsamt samt utveckla modeller med högre användbarhet.

    Projektet har utförts i samarbete med företaget Elektroautomatik som är i en uppstartsfas med att utveckla en simuleringsverksamhet. Företaget identifierade ett behov av en mer strömlinjeformad och standardiserad process bl.a. för att fler ska kunna arbeta med simulering och erbjuda samma kvalitet, vilket medför krav på tydliga instruktioner, standarder och hjälpverktyg som kan stötta arbetet och samverkan mellan simuleringsanalytiker i simuleringsprojekt. Målet med projektet är att definiera en standard för framtagning av simuleringsmodeller och effektivisera processen genom att identifiera förbättringsområden och lämna förbättringsförslag till företaget. Forskningsmetodiken som valts för arbetet är Design Research Methodology, vilket tillhandahåller forskare med ett ramverk för att strukturera forskningsarbete och göra forskningen mer effektfull. Projektet innehåller, förutom utveckling av en standardiserad process och hjälpverktyg, tre sorters studier: 1) Litteraturstudie 2) Empirisk Studie 3) Kompetenshöjning inom vald simuleringsmjukvara. En empirisk studie utfördes på företaget som bekräftade att det saknas standardiserade aktiviteter. Enligt undersökt litteratur finns det många diagram och beskrivningar som beskriver hur simuleringsprojekt kan och bör utföras. I undersökt litteratur finns det dock meningsskiljaktigheter och en avsaknad av standarder.

    Utifrån litteraturstudien identifierades möjligheter som kan standardiseras och effektivisera simuleringsprojekt. Dessa testades i en utvald simuleringsmjukvara för att se om det var genomförbart. Därefter utvecklades komponenter och modeller vidare som bidragit till att forma en process med standardiserade aktiviteter. Ett förslag om en process har utvecklats där den konceptuella modellen getts en mer central roll och integrerats mer medmodellöversättningen. Utifrån flera förslag på struktur och upplägg har en standard tagits fram för hur den konceptuella modellen ska utvecklas och vad den ska innehålla samt hur återanvändning kan göras i form av ett komponentbibliotek för att spara kunskap och komponenter gemensamt inom simuleringsgrupper. Under projektet har parametriserat och datadrivet tillvägagångssätt undersökts och genom det funnit synergier mellan aktiviteter. Resultatet presenterar en mer strömlinjeformad process där ingående aktiviteter är mer sammankopplade och med den föreslagna metoden för utveckling av en konceptuell modell skapas en gemensam modell som kan användas av fler användare och underlätta parallellt arbete med simuleringsmodeller. Förslaget visar även på att den konceptuella modellen kan bidra med minskad ledtid för utveckling av simuleringsmodeller. Parametriserade och datadrivna simuleringsmodeller erbjuder en högre konfigurerbarhet än traditionella och har egenskaper som underlättar återanvändning och uppdatering. Detta kan uppmuntra kontinuerligt användande av simulering snarare än vid enstaka större eller svårare beslut.

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  • 38.
    Azamfirei, Victor
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. 1994.
    A visualization approach for improved interpretation and evaluation of assembly line balancing solutions2018Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 15 credits / 22,5 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Future manufacturing will be characterized by the complementarity between humans and automation (human-robot collaboration). This requires new methods and tools for the design and operation of optimized manufacturing workplaces in terms of ergonomics, safety, efficiency, complexity management and work satisfaction. There have been some efforts in the recent years to propose a tool for determining optimal human-automation levels for load balancing.

    Although the topic is quite new, it shares some similarities with some of the existing research in the area of robotic assembly line balancing. Therefore, it is crucial to review the existing literature and find the most similar models and methods to facilitate the development of new optimization models and algorithms.

    One of the two contributions that this thesis gives to the research world in the RALBP context is a literature review that involves high quality articles from 1993 to beginning 2018. This literature review includes visual and comprehensive tables—and a label system— where previous research patterns and trends are highlighted.

    Visualization of data and results obtained by assembly line optimization tools is a very important topic that has rarely been studied. Data visualization would provide a: 1. better comprehension of patterns, trends and qualitative data 2. more constructive information absorption 3. better visualization of relationships and patterns between operations, and 4. better contribution to data manipulation and interaction.

    The second contribution to research found in this thesis is the use of a human modelling (DHM) tool (called IPS), which is proposed as an assessment to the ergonomic risk that a robotic assembly line may involve. This kind of studies are necessary in order to reduce one of the most frequent reasons of work absence in our today society i.e. musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs are often the result of poor work environments and they lead to reduced productivity and quality losses at companies. In view of the above, IPS was used in order to resolve the load handling problem between human and robot, depending on their skills and availability, while fulfilling essential ISO standards i.e. 15066 and 10218:1 and :2. The literature review made it possible to select highly useful documents in developing assumptions for the experiment and contributed to consider real features detected in the industry.

    Results show that even though IPS is not capable of calculating an entire robotic assembly with human-robot collaboration, it is able to simulate a workstation constituted of one robot and one human. Finite and assembly motions for both human and robot are expected to be implemented in future versions of the software.

    Finally, the main advantages of using DHM tools in assessing ergonomic risks in RALB can be extracted from the results of this thesis. This advantages include 1. ergonomic evaluation for assembly motions 2. ergonomic evaluation for a full working day (available in future version) and 3. essential ISO standard testing (available in future version). 

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  • 39.
    Azkarate Fernández, Igor
    et al.
    Dept. of Electronics and Computing, Mondragon Unibertsitatea, Arrasate-Mondragón, Spain.
    Ayani Eguía, Mikel
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, The Virtual Systems Research Centre.
    Echeverría, Luca Eciolaza
    Dept. of Electronics and Computing, Mondragon Unibertsitatea, Arrasate-Mondragón, Spain.
    Virtual commissioning of a robotic cell: An educational case study2019In: IEEE International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, ETFA, IEEE, 2019, p. 820-825Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The emergence of software tools for testing control programs and virtual commissioning (VC) in industrial automation projects makes it possible to shorten lead times and improve product quality, but it also brings to light the need for competent technicians in these technologies. The academic environment can support the education of future professionals by reproducing and solving industrial problems in the classroom. This article presents a use case in which students work on a project to develop and validate the control system of a robotic cell. The study compares the conventional way of working against the use of a digital twin and exposes the benefits of it. 

  • 40.
    Babajanyan, Diana
    et al.
    School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia.
    Patil, Gaurav
    School of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Elite, Performance, Expertise and Training, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia.
    Lamb, Maurice
    University of Skövde, School of Informatics. University of Skövde, Informatics Research Environment. University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Kallen, Rachel W.
    School of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Elite, Performance, Expertise and Training, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia.
    Richardson, Michael J.
    School of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Elite, Performance, Expertise and Training, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia.
    I Know Your Next Move: Action Decisions in Dyadic Pick and Place Tasks2022In: Proceedings of the 44th Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society / [ed] J. Culbertson; A. Perfors; H. Rabagliati; V. Ramenzoni, Cognitive Science Society, Inc., 2022, p. 563-570Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Joint pick and place tasks occur in many interpersonal scenarios, such as when two people pick up and pass dishes. Previous studies have demonstrated that low-dimensional models can accurately capture the dynamics of pick and place motor behaviors in a controlled 2D environment. The current study models the dynamics of pick-up and pass decisions within a less restrictive virtual reality mediated 3D joint pick and place task. Findings indicate that reach-normalized distance measures, between participants and objects/targets, could accurately predict pick-up and pass decisions. Findings also reveal that participants took longer to pick-up objects where division of labor boundaries were less obvious and tended to pass in locations maximizing the dyad's efficiency. This study supports the notion that individuals are more likely to engage in interpersonal behavior when a task goal is perceived as difficult or unattainable (i.e., not afforded). Implications of findings for human-artificial agent interactions are discussed. 

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  • 41.
    Barnhardt, Roberto Carlos
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Núñez Hergueta, Juan Carlos
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Build of an open source AGV2022Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Logistics has become one of the most important aspects in industry. In modern production, factories are dealing with throughputs which were unthinkable barely half a century ago. Having the required parts delivered to workers on time to continue assembling a product is a key factor for a company to maintain a production rate which can keep up with the market demand. In big factories, there are plenty of facilities where such AGVs help the workers with this challenging task. Commercial AGV solutions are very costly, ranging from 200.000 SEK upwards of 1M SEK. The final aim of the overall project is studying the challenges associated to providing an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) for a reasonable price using Open Source Hardware (OSH).This is the continuation of a project where theoretical foundation and initial design was developed (Gámez and Martínez, 2021). Adapting it to the provided materials and budget was necessary, which was the reason to start designing it from scratch but maintaining the initial concept. The final outcome of this part of the project was the construction of the physical AGV unit, arrangement of electronics and basic programming for functional testing purposes have been included.

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  • 42.
    Barrena Aseguinolaza, Josu
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Mugica Agirre, Mikel
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Defining and evaluating an educational framework for virtual commissioning2022Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    Automated systems are large, complex, and expensive systems; therefore, it is often a better option to use virtual models of these systems for educational purposes. This project focuses on the definition and evaluation of an educational framework for virtual commissioning. The framework itself consists of a group of different software and environments interconnected between them. This is done by following the design and creation method. Acting in accordance with the methodology, the project starts with a clear identification of the need for a framework and follows an iterative process until getting a valid result. For this, first, it has been needed to select the appropriate software for the framework. Then this tentative framework definition is evaluated. Once the integration is valid, the framework itself is used to conduct the virtual commissioning of a manufacturing process that produces two different product variants. This is done to evaluate the framework in terms of virtual commissioning. The result is a framework fully integrated, being able to exchange different data types through the different environments. The final implementation design consists of three different environments that allow PLC and HMI programming, 3D modelling and robot programming, and connection to the cloud via an API and the implementation of a smart algorithm for the optimization of the makespan of a client order. The resulting framework is also one that allows the user to experience different activities that are performed when performing virtual commissioning, such as the PLC and robot programming and other IT solutions like the implementation of APIs and smart algorithms.

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  • 43.
    Barrera Diaz, Carlos Alberto
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Simulation-based multi-objective optimization for reconfigurable manufacturing systems: Reconfigurability, manufacturing, simulation, optimization, rms, multi-objective, knowledge discovery2023Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    In today’s global and aggressive market system, for manufacturing companies to remain competitive, they must manufacture high-quality products that can be produced at a low cost; they also must respond efficiently to customers’ predictable and unpredictable needs and demand variations. Increasingly shortened product lifecycles, as well as product customization degrees, lead to swift changes in the market that need to be supported by capable and flexible resources able to produce faster and deliver to the market in shorter periods while maintaining a high degree of cost-efficiency. To cope with all these challenges, the setup of production systems needs to shift toward Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMSs), making production capable of rapidly and economically changing its functionality and capacity to face uncertainties, such as unforeseen market variations and product changes. Despite the advantages of RMSs, designing and managing these systems to achieve a high-efficiency level is a complex and challenging task that requires optimization techniques. Simulation-based optimization (SBO) methods have been proven to improve complex manufacturing systems that are affected by predictable and unpredictable events. However, the use of SBO methods to tackle challenging RMS design and management processes is underdeveloped and rarely involves Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO). Only a few attempts have applied Simulation-Based Multi-Objective Optimization (SMO) to simultaneously deal with multiple conflictive objectives. Furthermore, due to the intrinsic complexity of RMSs, manufacturing organizations that embrace this type of system struggle with areas such as system configuration, number of resources, and task assignment. Therefore, this dissertation contributes to such areas by employing SMO to investigate the design and management of RMSs. The benefits for decision-makers have been demonstrated when SMO is employed toward RMS-related challenges. These benefits have been enhanced by combining SMO with knowledge discovery and Knowledge-Driven Optimization (KDO). This combination has contributed to current research practices proving to be an effective and supportive decision support tool for manufacturing organizations when dealing with RMS challenges.

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  • 44.
    Barrera Diaz, Carlos Alberto
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Aslam, Tehseen
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Ng, Amos H. C.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment. Division of Industrial Engineering and Management, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Uppsala University, Sweden.
    Optimizing Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems for Fluctuating Production Volumes: A Simulation-Based Multi-Objective Approach2021In: IEEE Access, E-ISSN 2169-3536, Vol. 9, p. 144195-144210Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In today’s global and volatile market, manufacturing enterprises are subjected to intense global competition, increasingly shortened product lifecycles and increased product customization and tailoring while being pressured to maintain a high degree of cost-efficiency. As a consequence, production organizations are required to introduce more new product models and variants into existing production setups, leading to more frequent ramp-up and ramp-down scenarios when transitioning from an outgoing product to a new one. In order to cope with such as challenge, the setup of the production systems needs to shift towards reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS), making production capable of changing its function and capacity according to the product and customer demand. Consequently, this study presents a simulation-based multi-objective optimization approach for system re-configuration of multi-part flow lines subjected to scalable capacities, which addresses the assignment of the tasks to workstations and buffer allocation for simultaneously maximizing throughput and minimizing total buffer capacity to cope with fluctuating production volumes. To this extent, the results from the study demonstrate the benefits that decision-makers could gain, particularly when they face trade-off decisions inherent in today’s manufacturing industry by adopting a Simulation-Based Multi-Objective Optimization (SMO) approach.

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  • 45.
    Barrera Diaz, Carlos Alberto
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Del Riego Navarro, Andres
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Rico Perez, Alvaro
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Nourmohammadi, Amir
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Availability Analysis of Reconfigurable Manufacturing System Using Simulation-Based Multi-Objective Optimization2022In: SPS2022: Proceedings of the 10th Swedish Production Symposium / [ed] Amos H. C. Ng; Anna Syberfeldt; Dan Högberg; Magnus Holm, Amsterdam; Berlin; Washington, DC: IOS Press, 2022, p. 369-379Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Nowadays, manufacturing companies face an increasing number of challenges that can cause unpredictable market changes. These challenges are derived from a fiercely competitive market. These challenges create unforeseen variations and uncertainties, including new regional requirements or regulations, new technologies and materials, new market segments, increasing demand for new product features, etc. To cope with the challenges above, companies must reinvent themselves and design manufacturing systems that seek to produce quality products while responding to the changes faced. These capabilities are encompassed in Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS), capable of dealing with uncertainties quickly and economically. The availability of RMS is a crucial factor in establishing the production capacity of a system that considers all events that could interrupt the planned production. The impact of the availability in RMS is influenced by the configuration of the systems, including the number of resources used. This paper presents a case study in which a simulation-based multi-objective optimization (SMO) method is used to find machines’ optimal task allocation and assignment to workstations under different scenarios of availability. It has been shown that considering the availability of the machines affects the optimal configuration, including the number of resources needed, such as machines and buffers. This study demonstrates the importance of the availability consideration during the design of RMS.

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  • 46.
    Barrera Diaz, Carlos Alberto
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Fathi, Masood
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment. Division of Industrial Engineering and Management, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Aslam, Tehseen
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Ng, Amos H. C.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment. Division of Industrial Engineering and Management, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Optimizing reconfigurable manufacturing systems: A Simulation-based Multi-objective Optimization approach2021In: Procedia CIRP, ISSN 2212-8271, E-ISSN 2212-8271, Vol. 104, p. 1837-1842Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Application of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) plays a significant role in manufacturing companies’ success in the current fiercely competitive market. Despite the RMS’s advantages, designing these systems to achieve a high-efficiency level is a complex and challenging task that requires the use of optimization techniques. This study proposes a simulation-based optimization approach for optimal allocation of work tasks and resources (i.e., machines) to workstations. Three conflictive objectives, namely maximizing the throughput, minimizing the buffers’ capacity, and minimizing the number of machines, are optimized simultaneously while considering the system’s stochastic behavior to achieve the desired system’s configuration.

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  • 47.
    Barrera Diaz, Carlos Alberto
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Nourmohammadi, Amir
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Smedberg, Henrik
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Aslam, Tehseen
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Ng, Amos H. C.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment. Division of Industrial Engineering and Management, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Uppsala University, Sweden.
    An Enhanced Simulation-Based Multi-Objective Optimization Approach with Knowledge Discovery for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems2023In: Mathematics, ISSN 2227-7390, Vol. 11, no 6, article id 1527Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In today’s uncertain and competitive market, where manufacturing enterprises are subjected to increasingly shortened product lifecycles and frequent volume changes, reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) applications play significant roles in the success of the manufacturing industry. Despite the advantages offered by RMSs, achieving high efficiency constitutes a challenging task for stakeholders and decision makers when they face the trade-off decisions inherent in these complex systems. This study addresses work task and resource allocations to workstations together with buffer capacity allocation in an RMS. The aim is to simultaneously maximize throughput and to minimize total buffer capacity under fluctuating production volumes and capacity changes while considering the stochastic behavior of the system. An enhanced simulation-based multi-objective optimization (SMO) approach with customized simulation and optimization components is proposed to address the abovementioned challenges. Apart from presenting the optimal solutions subject to volume and capacity changes, the proposed approach supports decision makers with knowledge discovery to further understand RMS design. In particular, this study presents a customized SMO approach combined with a novel flexible pattern mining method for optimizing an RMS and conducts post-optimal analyses. To this extent, this study demonstrates the benefits of applying SMO and knowledge discovery methods for fast decision support and production planning of an RMS.

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  • 48.
    Barrera Diaz, Carlos Alberto
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Oscarsson, Jan
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Lidberg, Simon
    Volvo Car Corporation, Skövde, Sweden.
    Sellgren, Tommy
    Volvo Car Corporation, Skövde, Sweden.
    A Study of Discrete Event Simulation Project Data and Provenance Information Management in an Automotive Manufacturing Plant2017In: Proceedings of the 2017 Winter Simulation Conference / [ed] W. K. V. Chan; A. D’Ambrogio; G. Zacharewicz; N. Mustafee; G. Wainer; E. Page, IEEE, 2017, , p. 12p. 4012-4023Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Discrete Event Simulation (DES) project data management is a complex and important engineering activity which impacts on an organization’s efficiency. This efficiency could be decreased by the lack of provenance information or the unreliability of existing information regarding previous simulation projects, all of which complicates the reusability of the existing data. This study presents an analysis of the management of simulation projects and their provenance data, according to the different types of scenarios usually found at a manufacturing plant. A survey based on simulation projects at an automotive manufacturing plant was conducted, in order to categorize the information regarding the studied projects, map the available provenance data and standardize its management. This study also introduces an approach that demonstrates how a structured framework based on the specific data involved in the different types of scenarios could allow an improvement of the management of DES projects.

  • 49.
    Barrera Diaz, Carlos Alberto
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Smedberg, Henrik
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Bandaru, Sunith
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Ng, Amos H. C.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science. University of Skövde, Virtual Engineering Research Environment.
    Enabling Knowledge Discovery from Simulation-Based Multi-Objective Optimization in Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems2022In: Proceedings of the 2022 Winter Simulation Conference / [ed] B. Feng; G. Pedrielli; Y. Peng; S. Shashaani; E. Song; C. G. Corlu; L. H. Lee; E. P. Chew; T. Roeder; P. Lendermann, IEEE, 2022, p. 1794-1805Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Due to the nature of today's manufacturing industry, where enterprises are subjected to frequent changes and volatile markets, reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) are crucial when addressing ramp-up and ramp-down scenarios derived from, among other challenges, increasingly shortened product lifecycles. Applying simulation-based optimization techniques to their designs under different production volume scenarios has become valuable when RMS becomes more complex. Apart from proposing the optimal solutions subject to various production volume changes, decision-makers can extract propositional knowledge to better understand the RMS design and support their decision-making through a knowledge discovery method by combining simulation-based optimization and data mining techniques. In particular, this study applies a novel flexible pattern mining algorithm to conduct post-optimality analysis on multi-dimensional, multi-objective optimization datasets from an industrial-inspired application to discover the rules regarding how the tasks are assigned to the workstations constitute reasonable solutions for scalable RMS. 

  • 50.
    Barón Suárez, Julia
    et al.
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Roldán Cobos, Almudena
    University of Skövde, School of Engineering Science.
    Prototype an integrated 3D camera in a gripper2023Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
    Abstract [en]

    In today´s interconnected world, our lives are inextricably linked with technology, a trend set to continue. Robots, pivotal to global industry and commerce, have made an significant impact since their inception. This report proposes an approach to enhance robotic functionality by integrating a 3D camera into a gripper´s case. This integration improves robotic functions and refines how robots perform tasks, mirroring human-like capabilities. This paper outlines the design and creation process of the prototype, including considerations for its development. Extensive research was conducted on current grippers, 3D vision systems, and available 3D cameras. Moreover, the design process using CAD tools is shown and explained in detail, followed by the creation of a physical prototype through 3D printing. The study underscores the significance of such advancements in shaping the future of robotics. It emphasizes that the innovative design of these products will play a crucial role in advancing automation technology.

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  • rtf