Production Automation Research Articles

Worker knowledge sharing in the Brazilian glass sector

ABSTRACT Drawing on insights from four plants with different levels of production volume, variety and automation in the Brazilian glass sector, this paper compares blue- and white-collar employee perspectives on the relative importance ascribed to factors enabling worker tacit knowledge sharing on the shop floor. The extent to which managerial and workers perspectives are congruent is still fairly scantly explored in the literature. A total of 20 months of field research entailing group interviews and a questionnaire (n = 398) analysed via analytic hierarchy process (AHP) reveal that socialisation, incentives, training, and communication are key enabling factors of knowledge sharing. Managers recognise the relevance of employee socialisation, and relate productivity concerns to internalisation practices. By highlighting contrasting viewpoints among blue and white-collars, we support better understanding of effective factors which facilitate a favourable context for knowledge sharing to guide operations management towards stronger involvement of blue-collar workers in the context of digital transformation.

Технологический суверенитет и энергетическая безопасность

The doctrine of energy security and technological sovereignty are important strategic directions for ensuring national security and economic development of the country and contribute to strengthening the scientific and technological base of the state. The doctrine of energy security and the concept of technological sovereignty is based on a technological development concept, which includes, among other things, legal aspects of promising directions of technology development in order to increase the importance of labor resources, automation of production, development and launching of advanced technologies, increase the efficiency of resource use and change a social structure, which ultimately allows for an increase in the standard of living of the population, the expansion of economic growth and the development of social and cultural values.

A Reflective Study of Computerized Database Application Technology and Maintenance

In the era of digitalization, computer databases have become an indispensable technological support across various industries. They not only house a vast amount of data but also enable efficient management and swift retrieval of this information. Concurrently, advancements in database application technology and maintenance have become crucial in ensuring the stable operation of information systems. However, contemporary computer database technology still faces numerous challenges such as data compatibility, automation levels, and flexibility in data transmission. Therefore, this study focuses on the key application techniques and maintenance mechanisms of computer databases, exploring measures to enhance data compatibility, improve production automation, strengthen the flexibility of data transmission, and bolster technical support. These efforts aim to drive the development of computer databases towards efficiency, stability, and security, thus laying a solid data foundation for the sustainable development of the entire information society.

Adjustment of a reservoir model by the material balance method in the petroleum experts MBAL program. Setting up the integrated model in GAP

Relevance. Modern approach to development of oil and gas fields. Digitalization and automation of hydrocarbon production allow not only to reducing the response time to possible deviations from the operating level of production, but also quickly making decisions on its further normalization. The use of modern software to create a reservoir model using the material balance method allows you to calculate current and predicted reservoir pressures depending on the amount of selected and injected fluid. With high-quality adaptation, the integration of the reservoir model, wells and collection system, in its turn, allows you to correctly approach the choice of a field development system, as well as correctly assess the possible potential of the field. Forecast calculations performed on an integrated model can form the basis for budget planning, as well as the basis for carrying out geological and technical activities on wells, commissioning new wells, and modernizing equipment and infrastructure. Moreover, group optimization calculation allows us to maximize additional oil production, taking into account all geological and technical constraints. Aim. Formation and analysis of an approach to setting up a reservoir model by adapting parameters using the material balance method; formation of a solution for adapting the integrated model, reconciliation of the results with actual data; carrying out an optimization calculation and obtaining additional oil production. Methods. Adjustment and adaptation of reservoir models using the material balance method; adjustment and adaptation of the integrated model of a field/group of fields; calculation of the forecast for a period of 30/90 days; optimization calculations. Results. The obtained results make it possible to adapt the components of the integrated model with an accuracy of ±5 %, which makes it possible to simulate the operating mode of the field. As a result of the analysis, tuning criteria were identified, and the minimum required set of parameters for a qualitative adaptation of the reservoir model and the collection system was presented. The effectiveness and accuracy of the tool are also proven by comparing actual data on operating modes with synthetic ones. Based on the work done, it can be concluded that the use of the integrated model shows us a high convergence with real data, which allows us to optimally approach the field development mode. Moreover, an optimization calculation was carried out to obtain additional oil production using the proposed solution, and a forecast for oil production for a period of 90 days was calculated, which was later confirmed when compared with actual data.

Optimizing Rice Milling in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Analysis of Semi-Automatic Processes with Modern Machinery

This study investigates the inclusion of modern machinery into the rice milling process in Bangladesh. The investigation spanned three districts-Dinajpur, Kushtia, and Mymensingh. Data collection involved personal interviews employing semi-structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions, covering aspects such as mill types, ownership status, existing products, milling machinery varieties, and the total commissioning cost of mills/sections. Employing a primary descriptive statistical method, the study aimed to assess the current status of rice milling, specifically semi-automated processes utilizing modern machinery, focusing on type, capacity, and technological aspects. The research revealed milling costs for semi-automatic operations without modern equipment at Tk.2954 and those with modern equipment at Tk.3460. Whole rice recovery rates were 66.25% and 64.75%, respectively. Semi-automatic rice mills exhibited a capacity range of 1.15-1.75 t/h, with a utilization rate of 40%. The estimated benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) were higher for semi-automatic mills, both with and without modern equipment, at 1.48 and 1.64, respectively. Staff requirements for semi-automatic operations without modern equipment and those with modern equipment were reported as 9.13 and 4.50 person-hours per ton of paddy processing, respectively. These findings serve as a valuable foundation for making well-informed decisions and offering guidance to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and entrepreneurs in optimizing the benefits of automation for sustainable and competitive rice production in Bangladesh.

Low binder content bricks: a regolith-based solution for sustainable surface construction on the Moon

This work proposes a composite construction material made by a blend of lunar regolith and thermoplastic binders in dry powder form. This solution offers advantages over regolith sintering or melting by requiring lower power consumption and simplifying the manufacturing process. However, its sustainability depends on minimizing the content of the binder material. Drawing from validated concepts used on Earth, such as polymeric concrete and compressed Earth bricks, this paper suggests that binder optimization can be achieved by simplifying and streamlining the manufacturing process, targeting parts with predefined shapes. Standardized elements like bricks or tiles ease production and assembly automation, especially when incorporating interlocking features, simplifying the payload concept transition. After drafting the process with a minimum number of basic steps, this work studies the effects of some process parameters to minimize the weight percentage of the matrix while maintaining reasonable mechanical properties. The compressive and the flexural strength are the targets of an orthogonal array Design of Experiment. Through comparison with reference values for civil engineering, the process demonstrates promising results within an organic phase as low as 10 wt%.

Multi-Vehicle Unmanned Following Operation Driving System Based on OpenMV

In response to the low level of agricultural production automation and labor shortage, to improve the efficiency of agricultural machinery utilization and the reliability of automatic navigation, this paper designs an intelligent agricultural machinery system based on OpenMV for multi-vehicle unmanned following operations. Firstly, the kinematics of the agricultural machinery vehicle is analyzed, the path recognition and location line extraction are carried out using the OpenMV vision module, and the agricultural machinery steering control system is designed using the cascade PID closed-loop control technology, which achieves accurate steering control and path tracking on straight lines and curves. Subsequently, using embedded microcontrollers to manage the workflow, utilizing OpenMV visual modules to receive, store, and process positioning information, and sending control instructions to execution units such as the TB6612FNG motor drive module. Moreover, in response to the communication issues involving multiple HC-05 Bluetooth modules in the system's multi-vehicle communication, corresponding protocol specifications have been developed, and combined with the use of the HC-SR04 ultrasonic module to maintain dual vehicle distance and obstacle detection, achieving multi-vehicle collaborative following operations. The experimental results show that the system achieves a path recognition navigation accuracy of 93.4% and a communication success rate of 97.5% in simulating the process of farm harvesting and transportation, effectively proving the multi-vehicle collaboration of the system in the paper

Rein4ced and Dieffenbacher to accelerate production of carbon and steel fiber reinforced thermoplastic bicycle frames

On January 30th, 2024, Rein4ced announced a collaboration between Rein4ced and Dieffenbacher to accelerate production of thermoplastic carbon bicycle frames. This is intended to tighten the integration of product and machine development, propelling the large-scale production of thermoplastic carbon bicycle frames. Expertise in product development and production automation should synergize, facilitating the upscale of robust and agile thermoplastic composite frame production and achieving market demands. Thermoplastic composites are claimed to be able to be efficiently and effectively reused, repurposed, or recycled. Rein4ced's approach aims to elevate the sustainability and manufacturing efficiency of thermoplastic composite bicycle frames.

Management of Manufacturing Enterprises’ Overhead Expenses in the Conditions of Digitalisation in Penza Region

The article considers the problems and prospects for the functioning of business entities, the peculiarities of approaches to cost management in the course of the fourth industrial revolution.The Industry 4.0 concept implies the development of digitalization of business processes, automation and computerization of production, and intensification of R&D. However, the implementation of these tasks is hampered by the need for significant costs, the enormous deterioration of fixed assets, the difficulty of updating technological and software, and the lack of qualified specialists in the field of information and communication technologies. The aim of the study is to improve the efficiency of management of manufacturing enterprises’ overhead expenses of Penza region by finding a compromise between cost optimization and finding ways to develop and intensify innovation and digitalization. The empirical basis for this paper was drawn from research on enterprise cost management, outsourcing and digital business technologies, as reflected in the publications of the following databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, Inderscience, Elsevier, open statistical data. The study uses bibliographic, statistical, expert, mathematical methods, abstract-logical methods, the method of analogy, induction, deduction, analysis and synthesis. It has been identified that the main obstacle to the manufacturing enterprise’s development is lack of funds, which can be overcome by an improved approach to the management of overhead expenses, which are often unreasonably high, and will continue to increase with the intensification of the digitalisation of the innovation activity. A distinctive feature of this study is the justification of outsourcing feasibility and proposal for its use as a tool for the development of manufacturing enterprises in the context of limited inner resources and a high degree of risk in development activities. The results of the study have been tested at machine-building plants of Penza region (Russia) and proved their effectiveness.

A Comprehensive Overview of Automatic Rice Milling with Modern Machinery in Bangladesh

This research paper thoroughly studied how modern machinery is used in milling rice in Bangladesh. The study took place in three districts: Dinajpur, Kushtia, and Mymensingh. Researchers gathered information through personal interviews, surveys, and group discussions. Data was collected from automatic mills, ownership, products, machinery used, and the cost of setting up the mill. The data analysis used a simple descriptive statistical method. The main goal of the research was to understand the current situation of rice milling in terms of automation, including the types of technology and capacities involved. For mills with modern equipment, the milling cost was Tk.2601, while for those without modern equipment, it was Tk.3098. The rice recovery rates were 67.5% and 66%, respectively. Automatic rice mills had a capacity of 3-3.5 tons per hour, with a utilization rate of 56%. The research also found that the estimated benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) were higher in automatic rice mills, both with and without modern equipment, at 2.64 and 2.49, respectively. Profit margins per ton of milled rice were highest in automatic mills without modern equipment (Tk. 5881) and lowest in mills with modern equipment (Tk. 7338). The staff cost per ton of paddy processing was lowest in modern automatic rice mills (Tk. 101), mainly due to their higher capacity and automation. Automatic rice mills without modern equipment had a staff cost of Tk. 173 per ton. The findings of this research provide valuable information for decision-makers, guiding policymakers, industry stakeholders, and entrepreneurs to make informed choices and optimize the benefits of automation for sustainable and competitive rice production in Bangladesh.

Artificial intelligence in biology and learning biology: A literature review

Artificial Intelligence (AI) had been developed in various fields of human life. The use of AI brought the world towards a digital transformation that had not been imagined before. One form of AI development in the fields of biology and biology education brought the development of science in both fields far beyond expectations. The use of AI in the fields of biology and biology education had utilized many new methods and discoveries that are beneficial to humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the application of AI in biology and biology learning. The literature review method was used to analyze and synthesize research results from a new perspective. The results of the analysis of various pieces of our literature found various uses of AI. In the field of biology, including AI in the field of biology used for biological data analysis, genetic data analysis, investigation of complex biological phenomena (synthetic biology and system biology), bioinformatics, disease detection, and diagnosis. AI had been utilized in various fields of biological sciences such as medical, agriculture, animal husbandry, and industry for product development and automation in the production process utilizing IoT. There were 24 types of AI utilization in education, especially biology learning, which can be grouped into six groups: personalized and tutoring learning (teaching assistance/tutor), evaluation and assessment, teaching media, enriching learning, virtual classes, and learning aids.

Production automation upgrades and the mystery of workers' overwork: Evidence from a manufacturing employer-employee matching survey in China

The automatic production line will alter the workflow and workshop production system, which will significantly impact how the workers perform their jobs. Using employer-employee matching survey data from the manufacturing sector in Guangdong Province, this paper found that production automation upgrades significantly increase working hours. The findings remain robust even after dealing with endogeneity issues. A plausible explanation is that improved general-purpose technology integrated into the production system will damage employees' unique talents by "deskilling". The heterogeneity analysis shows that labor degradation caused by technological change can be effectively mitigated by labor union protection and the accumulation of workers' human capital. Furthermore, production automation upgrades will probably change the way wages are paid, with less use of the piece-rate system. Although workers may receive some wage compensation for overwork, production automation upgrades may have unfavorable consequences (such as mental health, etc.). This study sheds light on how shop floor workers perform their jobs in the face of the wave of automation, offering fresh policy insights for promoting decent work and achieving inclusive growth.

Few shot learning for avocado maturity determination from microwave images

Artificial intelligence (AI) has played a critical role in the enhancement and automation of global food production and delivery. The assessment of ripeness through microwave images and AI presents a unique opportunity to enhance the current process and minimize food wastage. Particularly in avocado maturity prediction, microwave imaging provides a non-invasive solution to see through the shell and predict the maturity intelligently. However, conventional deep learning models are generally data-hungry, requiring huge amounts of training data to maintain high performance. In this paper, we propose a few-shot learning (FSL) model to address the need for a large training dataset in maturity estimation. We classify avocado microwave images for maturity assessment through a prototypical FSL model. The FSL model achieves an accuracy range of 80%–96 % across the different experimental groups and all outperforms the conventional deep learning in scenarios where limited data is available for training. This experiment demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of utilizing microwave scanning and FSL to determine avocado maturity.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ АВТОМАТИЗАЦИИ В СНИЖЕНИИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕННЫХ ИЗДЕРЖЕК

The article examines the essence and history of automation in production, focused on reducing the role of man in technological processes through the use of special devices and mechanisms. The main goals of automation are discussed from the point of view of increasing the competitiveness and efficiency of the enterprise.

АВТОМАТИЗАЦИЯ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА И ЕЕ ВЛИЯНИЕ НА МЕЖДУНАРОДНУЮ КОНКУРЕНТОСПОСОБНОСТЬ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЙ

Automation of production is becoming one of the key factors determining the interna-tional competitiveness of enterprises in the global economy. This article examines the various levels of automation and its impact on the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of production processes. The role of automation in reducing labor costs, improving product quality and accelerating the adaptation of en-terprises to changing market conditions is assessed. The article also analyzes the challenges and barriers that companies face when implementing automated systems and discusses the prospects for the devel-opment of automation in the context of further digitalization and integration of innovative technologies.

The current state and ways of development of geoinformation technology systems in agriculture

The current state, challenges, trends, and pathways for digital transformation in agriculture are analyzed and assessed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of developing digital geographic information systems and implementing strategies to integrate agricultural sectors into the digital revolution. Within the country's agro-industrial complex, there is a dynamic increase in both the scale and quality of information technology adoption. A burgeoning investment sector labeled “Agrotech” is emerging, poised to address longstanding challenges within the industry through digitalization and automation of production, economic, and supply-chain processes, thereby enhancing the investment appeal of agriculture. The implementation of a modern, integrated accounting and analytical digital information system is envisioned to swiftly identify factors influencing outcomes and facilitate informed managerial decisions.

Improving Processes Automation in Production by Using Ethical Artificial Intelligence (EAI)

Improving Processes Automation in Production by Using Ethical Artificial Intelligence (EAI)

Prospects for deployment of integrated production automation systems using artificial intelligence

The article considers the directions of application of artificial intelligence in the deployment of integrated systems of production automation at all stages of the product life cycle: design and engineering, production, equipment control, control and monitoring during production and operation, in-process logistics and management of interaction with suppliers and customers. Three strategies for the implementation of complex production automation systems using artificial intelligence are proposed: a strategy for solving local production and technological problems, a strategy for the development of virtual reality technologies, and a strategy for comprehensive digitalization within the framework of Industry 4:0.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ И ИНТЕГРАЦИЯ АВТОМАТИЗАЦИИ РАБОТЫ КОНДИТЕРСКОГО ОБОРУДОВАНИЯ

Automation of confectionery equipment inevitably changes paradigms in the modern food industry, changing old methods and introducing innovations in the production of confectionery products. This process represents not only a technological upgrade, but also a fundamental transformation of the entire industrial landscape, leading to significant changes in production approaches, product quality, safety and sustainability of production. This article highlights not only the current state of automation in the confectionery industry, but also its prospects in the future, as well as analyzes the factors influencing the successful implementation and use of automated systems. The authors conduct a study of the relationship between the level of automation and various aspects of confectionery production. They identify the advantages, achievements and opportunities that automation provides, including productivity improvement, product quality optimization and occupational safety. At the same time, the challenges that companies face when implementing new technologies are also being considered, such as high implementation costs, the need to retrain staff and manage changes in work processes. It should also be noted the importance of software development for process automation in the confectionery industry. This component plays a key role in the successful implementation of automated systems, ensuring the integration and coordination of various production processes. The software allows you to effectively control a variety of parameters, including temperature, humidity, speed and accuracy of the molding and packaging processes. However, despite all the advantages of automation, the implementation of such systems also faces challenges and obstacles. Some companies face difficulties in adapting to new technologies, while others have difficulties in ensuring the necessary level of staff qualifications. However, with the development of the industry and increasing competition, automation remains a key success factor in the confectionery industry, providing companies with the opportunity to improve product quality, increase productivity and remain competitive in the market.

ИНЖЕНЕРНО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ АПК В ПРОВИНЦИИ ХЭНАНЬ КИТАЙСКОЙ НАРОДНОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКИ

For the successful conduct of agricultural production, a modern system of its engineering and technical support is needed, performing the material equipping of farms with machines, operational materials, providing high-quality technical service, promoting innovations and providing personnel and information support for production. Similar systems in agriculture in developed countries and Russia have a similar structure and set of functions, and their management mechanism is based on market principles and free relationships with business entities. (Research purpose) The research purpose is analyzing the features of the organization of agricultural production and the system of its engineering and technical support in Henan province, identifying the main differences between the analyzed system and foreign analogues, showing the results of its activities and development prospects. (Materials and methods) Applied analytical and excursion methods, used materials from specialized papers, Internet sites and observations during the excursion and visiting the exhibition. (Results and discussion) It was noted that agriculture in Henan is the basic industry, leading in terms of wheat and rice production in the country. In the region, the current level of mechanization of crop production processes does not exceed 72 percent. It was determined that Chinese specialists are solving innovative tasks to further increase the level of mechanization, automation and intellectualization of production, as well as to reach the world's leading positions in the field of "smart agriculture" after 2035. They showed the organization of engineering and technical support for agricultural production in the province on the basis of territorial agricultural clusters, current achievements in the field of unmanned agricultural machinery. (Conclusions) The economic effect of the organization of the engineering and technical support system is to increase the level of mechanization, in the mass distribution of process automation systems, in the introduction of serial samples of unmanned agricultural machinery.