Furthering the modular production concept: Control systems for actuators

Abstract

The general trend in modern-day products is towards more features, greater flexibility, increased variety and an integrated use of technologies. Such trends have done much to further the case for greater adoption of systems-based approaches in all aspects of product and manufacturing system design. In recognition of such benefits this paper investigates further the concept of building ‘flexible’ production systems from the integration of modular subsystems. In order to further this idea, the requirements of control systems for modular actuators are discussed and the need for a generic approach to actuator motion control identified. A model-based control scheme is considered to be most appropriate and the merits of such a approach are discussed in light of the requirements of Modular Productions Systems.