Dynamic Industrial Environment Research Articles

Design of a Deep Post Gripping Perception Framework for Industrial Robots

AbstractThe use of flexible and autonomous robotic systems is a possible solution for automation in dynamic and unstructured industrial environments. Pick and place robotic applications are becoming common for the automation of manipulation tasks in an industrial context. This context requires the robot to be aware of its surroundings throughout the whole manipulation task, even after accomplishing the gripping action. This work introduces the deep post gripping perception framework, which includes post gripping perception abilities realized with the help of deep learning techniques, mainly unsupervised learning methods. These abilities help robots to execute a stable and precise placing of the gripped items while respecting the process quality requirements. The framework development is described based on the results of a literature review on post gripping perception functions and frameworks. This results in a modular design using three building components to realize planning, monitoring and verifying modules. Experimental evaluation of the framework shows its advantages in terms of process quality and stability in pick and place applications.

Digital-Twin-Enabled Intelligent Distributed Clock Synchronization in Industrial IoT Systems

Tight cooperation among distributively connected equipment and infrastructures of an Industrial-Internet-of-Things (IIoT) system hinges on low latency data exchange and accurate time synchronization within sophisticated networks. However, the temperature-induced clock drift in connected industry facilities constitutes a fundamental challenge for conventional synchronization techniques due to dynamic industrial environments. Furthermore, the variation of packet delivery latency in IIoT networks hinders the reliability of time information exchange, leading to deteriorated clock synchronization performance in terms of synchronization accuracy and network resource consumption. In this article, a digital-twin-enabled model-based scheme is proposed to achieve an intelligent clock synchronization for reducing resource consumption associated with distributed synchronization in fast-changing IIoT environments. By leveraging the digital-twin-enabled clock models at remote locations, required interactions among distributed IIoT facilities to achieve synchronization is dramatically reduced. The virtual clock modeling in advance of the clock calibrations helps to characterize each clock so that its behavior under dynamic operating environments is predictable, which is beneficial to avoiding excessive synchronization-related timestamp exchange. An edge-cloud collaborative architecture is also developed to enhance the overall system efficiency during the development of remote digital-twin models. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can create an accurate virtual model remotely for each local clock according to the information gathered. Meanwhile, a significant enhancement on the clock accuracy is accomplished with dramatically reduced communication resource consumption in networks with different packet delay variations.

Reinforcement Learning-Based Control and Networking Co-design for Industrial Internet of Things.

Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT), also known as Industry 4.0, is the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into the industrial manufacturing system so that the connectivity, efficiency, and intelligence of factories and plants can be improved. From a cyber physical system (CPS) perspective, multiple systems (e.g., control, networking and computing systems) are synthesized into IIoT systems interactively to achieve the operator's design goals. The interactions among different systems is a non-negligible factor that affects the IIoT design and requirements, such as automation, especially under dynamic industrial operations. In this paper, we leverage reinforcement learning techniques to automatically configure the control and networking systems under a dynamic industrial environment. We design three new policies based on the characteristics of industrial systems so that the reinforcement learning can converge rapidly. We implement and integrate the reinforcement learning-based co-design approach on a realistic wireless cyber-physical simulator to conduct extensive experiments. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach can effectively and quickly reconfigure the control and networking systems automatically in a dynamic industrial environment.

A Clutter-Resistant SLAM Algorithm for Autonomous Guided Vehicles in Dynamic Industrial Environment

In dynamic and complicated industrial environments, feature-based SLAM based on laser scanner is a popular choice to achieve localization of autonomous guided vehicles. However, there are many clutters and dynamic objects degrading SLAM performance. This paper proposes a clutter-resistant SLAM solution where both point features generated from reflectors and line features are employed to improve SLAM robustness. First, a point feature recognition method based on geometrical characteristics of reflectors is developed to filter out clutters and identify true reflector landmarks; Then a dual-map based map management scheme is proposed for EKF-SLAM to further eliminate both types of fallacious landmarks and enhance its clutter resistance capability. The proposed methods eliminate adverse impact of clutters and thus improve SLAM performance in terms of accuracy, consistency and efficiency. The effectiveness of the proposed clutter-resistant SLAM solution is validated through real-time experiments. The absolute localization error is controlled within 19 mm and 31mm in X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The improved SLAM algorithm is proved to be accurate and efficient enough for practical application in dynamic and complicated industrial environments.

Research-based Learning for Skill Development of Engineering Graduates: An empirical study

Abstract The engineering graduates should have interdisciplinary knowledge in addition to theoretical knowledge to survive in dynamic industrial environment. Literature reveals that Indian engineering graduates need to develop problem solving, solution development, social skills in engineering graduates. Research-based learning (RBL), one of the outcome-based learning techniques, closes the gap between theory and application. It involves the learner to design, experience and reflect the entire process of learning. Inquiry forms one of the important elements of RBL which also develops creativity and discovering new techniques breaking the monotonous process for solution development. The present study conducted an empirical analysis to examine the role of RBL in skill development of engineering graduates. The participants are the recent graduates of Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani campus and those who had done thesis/dissertation. Thesis/dissertation involves the learner in research process such as problem identification, hypothesis formulation, design, data collection and analysis, interpretation, critical review, etc. An online survey questionnaire has been used to assess the skills. The results demonstrated that the use of RBL develops and enhances problem solving, domain knowledge, language and communication, communication & information technology, general learning, academic knowledge, attitude, ethics skills. It is also opined that use of RBL and activities will foster to reduce the gap between the skills required in the industry and learned at the university. Thus, it is important to integrate the RBL in engineering curricula to provide exposure and develop required skills.

Combined Reed-Solomon and Convolutional codes for IWSN based on IDWPT/DWPT Architecture

In contemporary industry, the wireless technologies trend is growing fast, because it will help to reduce cable cost, deployment time, flexibility, enabling wireless monitoring and control systems, and help to be more environment friendly, a huge research effort is done on wireless sensor networks (WSNs), however there are several issues facing the reliability of these wireless systems such that they can be used properly in harsh noisy or dynamic industrial environments, which led to outline the research direction for industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSNs). This article presents performances of a wavelet modulation and channel coding-based architecture of industrial wireless sensor network under an industrial channel. A model of the industrial channel is described, and performances of error correcting codes compared between multiple combinations of reed Solomon and convolutional codes for multiuser applications.

The valuation implications of strategy in R&D-intensive industries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the valuation impact of firm’s strategic choices in a setting of intangibles-rich industries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt the conceptual framework of Miles and Snow (1978, 2003), which identifies three viable types of firms based on their organizational strategy profiles: defenders, prospectors and analyzers. The authors use a replicable strategy score, whose scoring convention is based on rolling ratings of six ratios for the previous four years (Bentleyet al., 2013), to distinguish between prospector and defender strategies.FindingsThe authors offer empirical evidence that supports the hypothesis that prospector strategies are positively associated with firm value in the industries of electronics and electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology and technology hardware and equipment. The authors do not find evidence to support such a relationship in the software and computer services sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study have significant implications for researchers, who adopt a market-based accounting research framework to examine the characteristics, performance and valuation of firms with different strategic orientation.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper are useful to managers, who would like to pursue a value-adding strategy in dynamic industrial environments that are characterized by high levels of innovation, risk and growth.Originality/valueAlthough previous studies have yielded mixed results with respect to the association between firm’s performance and prospector strategy, the authors identify a set of R&D-intensive industries, where the implementation of the prospector strategy adds significant value to the shareholders’ wealth.

Follow the leader (or not): The influence of peer CEOs’ characteristics on interorganizational imitation

Research Summary:We argue that because charisma and narcissism represent widely held prototypes of effective and ineffective forms of leadership, respectively, the likelihood that a focal firm will imitate the practices of its peer firms is affected by these peer firms’ CEO characteristics. We theorize that peer firm CEO charisma enhances the focal firm’s imitation of peer firms’ behaviors, while peer firm CEO narcissism diminishes it. We further posit that the uncertainty of the context affects these imitation processes: industry dynamism and prior experience in a given strategic domain, respectively, strengthens and dampens focal firms’ susceptibility to these peer CEOs’ attributes. We test and find support for these ideas using a longitudinal sample of Fortune 500 firms in two distinct domains, corporate strategy and corporate social responsibility.Managerial Summary:When companies are uncertain about the costs and benefits of strategic actions this may lead them to imitate the actions of peer companies. But given the uncertainty, the challenge for executives is: which companies to emulate and which to ignore? In a sample of Fortune 500 companies, we find that the charisma or narcissism of a peer company’s CEO positively or negatively influences, respectively, the degree to which the peer company’s strategic actions are imitated. We reason that this is because these particular CEO attributes are widely believed to drive leadership effectiveness or ineffectiveness, respectively. We also find that the effects of these CEO characteristics on imitation are stronger in dynamic industry environments and weaker for companies that already have experience with the given strategy.

The Digital Shadow of production – A concept for the effective and efficient information supply in dynamic industrial environments

Today there are many technical (e.g. vendor lock-in effect) and organizational (e.g. information quality) issues in information delivery. The Digital Shadow ensures a viable information flow, also in the sense of information logistics, between all actors in and outside a factory. The Digital Shadow with all of its subsystems is designed as a next generation information system to allow a more efficient operation of value creation systems. At least, a roadmap for the Digital Shadow of production is presented.

Tracking People in Highly Dynamic Industrial Environments

To date, the majority of positioning systems have been designed to operate within environments that have long-term stable macro-structure with potential small-scale dynamics. These assumptions allow the existing positioning systems to produce and utilize stable maps. However, in highly dynamic industrial settings these assumptions are no longer valid and the task of tracking people is more challenging due to the rapid large-scale changes in structure. In this paper we propose a novel positioning system for tracking people in highly dynamic industrial environments, such as construction sites. The proposed system leverages the existing CCTV camera infrastructure found in many industrial settings along with radio and inertial sensors within each worker's mobile phone to accurately track multiple people. This multi-target multi-sensor tracking framework also allows our system to use cross-modality training in order to deal with the environment dynamics. In particular, we show how our system uses cross-modality training in order to automatically keep track environmental changes (i.e. new walls) by utilizing occlusion maps. In addition, we show how these maps can be used in conjunction with social forces to accurately predict human motion and increase the tracking accuracy. We have conducted extensive real-world experiments in a construction site showing significant accuracy improvement via cross-modality training and the use of social forces.

A real options and joint ventures perspective for strategic decision-making process in the case of dynamic industrial environments

Strategic decision – making process represents a challenge in a dynamic industrial environment. Nowadays, many instruments and techniques are used in the process of decision-making. The perspective regarding real options analysis (ROA), joint ventures (JVs) and strategic decision-making process (SDMP) is very important to be analyzed because it represents a key source to obtain competitive advantage in a turbulent environment characterized by competitiveness, dynamism and a proactive thinking. The aim of the paper is to offer an interesting framework that emphasizes the relationship between real options (ROs), JVs, transaction cost (TC), bargaining models (BM), agency theory (AT) and SDMP. Also, the paper analyzes a real case study and it suggests a business model that includes elements that conduce to an innovative management. The findings are very useful for decision-makers from organizations, researchers and students.

Key design of driving industry 4.0: joint energy-efficient deployment and scheduling in group-based industrial wireless sensor networks

In the Industry 4.0 framework based on IoT and smart manufacturing, it is essential to support factory automation and flexibility in harsh or dynamic industrial environments. State-of-the-art technology suggests building a controlled workspace using large-scale deployment of wireless sensors. To overcome the technological challenges in scalability and heterogeneity for large-scale industrial deployment, group-based industrial wireless sensor networks (GIWSNs) are suggested, in which wireless sensors are divided into multiple groups for multiple monitoring tasks, and each group of sensors is deployed densely within a subarea in a large plant or along a long production/assembly line, while connectivity between groups is required. As wireless sensors are equipped with batteries with limited power, it has been challenging to plan sleep schedules of sensors, which are influenced significantly by deployment of such a large-scale GIWSN. However, most previous works on wireless sensor networks independently investigated deployment and sleep scheduling problems, both of which have been shown to be NP-hard. Therefore, this work jointly considers deployment and sleep scheduling of sensors in a GIWSN along a production line. Via the theory of symmetries, we alleviate the computational concerns from multiple groups to one group and another medium-size group. Then we propose a hybrid harmony search and genetic algorithm, which incorporates deployment and sleep schedules to reduce energy consumption. Simulations verify this joint methodology to effectively achieve energy efficiency.

Adaptive arm motion generation of humanoid robot operating in dynamic environments

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of the robot arm motion generated by neural controllers in simulated and real robot experiments. Design/methodology/approach – The arm motion generation is formulated as an optimization problem. The neural controllers generate the robot arm motion in dynamic environments optimizing three different objective functions; minimum execution time, minimum distance and minimum acceleration. In addition, the robot motion generation in the presence of obstacles is also considered. Findings – The robot is able to adapt its arm motion generation based on the specific task, reaching the goal position in simulated and experimental tests. The same neural controller can be employed to generate the robot motion for a wide range of initial and goal positions. Research limitations/implications – The motion generated yield good results in both simulation and experimental environments. Practical implications – The robot motion is generated based on three different objective functions that are simultaneously optimized. Therefore, the humanoid robot can perform a wide range of tasks in real-life environments, by selecting the appropriate motion. Originality/value – A new method for adaptive arm motion generation of a mobile humanoid robot operating in dynamic human and industrial environments.

The Effects of Industrial Environment, Innovation, and Government Policy on Business Performance (Evidences from Riau Songket Weaving Small Industry in Riau Province)

This research aims to provide information about the effects of industrial environment on business performance, industrial environment on business performance with innovation as moderating variable, innovation on business performance and innovation on business performance with government policy as moderating variable. The population of this research is all small industries especially Tenun Songket Riau in Pekanbaru City, Bengkalis Sub District, and Siak Sub District, as many as 330 business units. Sampling method used is proportional sampling with total sample of 110 business units. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used as data analysis and to be processed with AMOS 16 software. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) the more dynamic industrial environment results better business performance of small industry of Riau Songket Weaving; (2) the more dynamic industrial environment supports innovation capability and impacts better business performance of small industry of Riau Songket Weaving; (3) the higher innovation capability of the business results better business performance of small industry of Riau Songket Weaving, and (4) the higher innovation capability and to be supported by conducive government policy impacts better business performance of small industry of Riau Songket Weaving.

Executive attention patterns, environmental dynamism and corporate turnaround performance

PurposeDespite an improved understanding of the role of top executives in declining firms, research is still needed to explore the role of environmental scanning and strategy formulation processes in an organizational decline context. Drawing from the attention‐based view and the literature on environmental scanning, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among executive attention patterns, industry dynamism and corporate turnaround performance in declining firms.Design/methodology/approachIn order to test theoretically‐driven hypotheses, data were collected from 70 US manufacturing firms that experienced serious performance decline and subsequent performance turnaround between 1990‐2000. The hypothesized relationships among market‐related, input‐related environmental scanning, industry dynamism and corporate turnaround performance were tested using a moderated regression analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that declining firms operating in dynamic industry environments tend to improve their turnaround performance when executives focus their attention more on market‐related sectors (i.e. customer, competitor and technological sectors). Conversely, the findings also indicated that corporate turnaround performance of declining firms seems to be adversely affected by a disproportionate focus on input‐related sectors of the task environment (i.e. suppliers and creditors).Research limitations/implicationsThe paper's findings contribute to the ongoing corporate turnaround research by highlighting the important role executive attention patterns and selective perceptions play in improving the extent of corporate turnaround in declining firms. More importantly, the findings also indicate that environmental context (in this case dynamism) is a critical part of successful corporate turnaround since it dictates the impact of relevant external actors on the organization.Practical implicationsExecutives of declining firms attempting turnaround may find it particularly useful, based on the paper's findings, to focus their attention and information search on specific aspects of the task environment in order to facilitate corporate turnaround. Such focus becomes especially necessary if the declining firm is operating in dynamic industries.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the corporate turnaround literature by highlighting the importance of both executive attention patterns and environmental context in any successful turnaround attempt.

Does intellectual capital matter? Assessing the profitability and marketability of IC design companies

Under a highly competitive market and a dynamic industrial environment, how to evaluate and enhance an integrated circuit (IC) design company’s good performance is important. This paper develops a two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) combined intellectual capital theory through financial and non-financial data to evaluate a performance process on the IC design company. It adopts a new slacks-based measure (SBM) to obtain a more accurate performance estimation and rank between companies. This paper further uses the Simar and Wilson procedure with a truncated regression to explore the impact of intellectual capital variables on performance and competitive advantage. From the study we suggest to the company in how to enhance precisely its performance to create company value and success.

Decentralized Coordination System for Multiple AGVs in a Structured Environment

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a decentralized coordination algorithm for safe and efficient management of a group of mobile robots following predefined paths in a dynamic industrial environment. The proposed algorithm is based on shared resources and proved to guarantee ordered traffic flows avoiding collisions and deadlocks. In consistency with the model of distributed robotic systems (DRS), no centralized mechanism, synchronized clock, shared memory or ground support is needed. A local inter-robot communication is required among a small number of spatially adjacent robotic units.

Coordination of industrial AGVs

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for coordinating a group of mobile robots that go through predefined paths in a dynamic industrial environment. Coordination diagrams are used for representing the possible collisions among the vehicles. We exploit this information for developing a centralised and incremental planning algorithm that allows to coordinate the vehicles and to take into account unexpected events that can occur in an industrial environment. Simulation tests have been executed in order to compare the performance of our algorithm with the one currently implemented by the company.

Towards assessing the leadership style and quality of transformational leadership

PurposeClarifying leadership has been a complicated and difficult task largely because the nature of leadership itself is complicated. Meanwhile, the construction industry stands for one of the most dynamic and complex industrial environments although, not much works has been conducted on leadership in the industry. This paper aims to fill this gap.Design/methodology/approachBased on a combination of literature review and questionnaire surveys, this paper explores the leadership style as well as transformational leadership quality of the leaders of construction companies in Iran. A quantitative research approach was adopted requiring the development and dissemination of a questionnaire survey. The research was conducted by sending 220 sets of questionnaires to the large construction companies. The analysis methods in this research were based on frequency and co‐relational study.FindingsThe research exposes the level of leaders' orientation for people and task in their leadership style as well as their transformational leadership qualities in regards of developing followers into leaders, inspire followers to go beyond their own self‐interest and give employees empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should try to address how companies and governments adapt to and shape the environmental and organizational settings in such a way that the context optimally stimulates employees' motivation and participation in leadership practices.Originality/valueThe paper offers insight into leadership style and quality of transformational leadership, focusing on construction firms in Iran.

Development of a flexible AGV for flexible manufacturing systems

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the design and development of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that incorporates artificial intelligence techniques to increase its autonomy and flexibility. The aim is developing a flexible AGV that operates as a flexible material handling system (MHS) in dynamic industrial environments.Design/methodology/approachIntroduces the entire on‐board control system including hardware and software designs. The sensory system consists of a laser navigation system for localisation and a security laser scanner for sensing the environment. The software architecture is instantiated in a CPU that is connected to low level controllers through a CAN bus. Simplicity, flexibility, robustness and safety were concerned in the design process.FindingsThe developed prototype is able to operate in partially structured and dynamic environments, is easily configured using an approximated description of the workplace and is able to adapt when slight floor layout modifications. This development shows that current technology permits introducing intelligent vehicles in complex manufacturing systems.Practical implicationsThe prototype is successfully tested in a real factory, operating as a flexible MHS, transporting pallets between production and storage lines.Originality/valueA novel flexible AGV is designed and developed to operate as a flexible MHS in dynamic industrial environments. The system satisfies the safety and robustness requirements of industrial applications. The flexible MHS results especially suitable for manufacturing systems that suffers from cyclic and seasonal variations and for flexible manufacturing systems where the possibility of choosing alternative routes is a must.