Model Predictive Control as a Module for Autonomously Running Complex Plastics Production Processes

Abstract

With the ambitious forward-looking project “Industry 4.0”, the German government is promoting the computerisation of traditional industry as we know it today. Among other things, the factory of the future will automatically adapt to fluctuating requirements and increase its resource efficiency. An essential element of these developments is the systematic establishment of additional control loops. These control loops can be machine-oriented, ensuring as part of process control that the process stays reliably within predefined states. In addition, higher-level control loops, e.g. in the form of quality control loops, can adjust machine parameters as a function of the product quality required. In all cases, control technology promotes automatic and reproducible production. This paper gives a brief outlook on how methods from advanced control technology can support and improve production processes, e.g. in the plastics technology sector.