Optimization of flexible manufacturing systems using IoT

Abstract

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is an automated material handling and integrated workstation that is computer-controlled and used for the automatic random processing of palletized parts. To assess the effectiveness of the FMS design before deployments, computer simulation is a cost-effective method. It is crucial to test this simulation software before usage since they have such a clear influence on the FMS decision-making process. A FMS is a complicated, integrated system that includes a central computer numerical control machining center and an automated material management system. The sole drawback of FMS is its greater initial cost and replacement cost if it does not function properly. Therefore, it is important to analyze FMS before installing it. The use of Industry 4.0 technologies has expanded the flexibility of the entire manufacturing system. The development of these technologies, which include the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, artificial intelligence (AI), additive manufacturing (AM), sophisticated robotics, virtual reality, cloud computing, simulation, and others, has increased the industrial system’s adaptability.