The university is enhancing its Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (AIM) laboratory by developing an Intelligent Factory--one of three components in the AIM laboratory. The other two components of the laboratory are the previously created Artificial Intelligence (AI) Processing Center and an Intelligent Manufacturing Cell. Hardware acquisitions for the Intelligent Factory include a PC-based computer with a network to serve as factory controller, an automated storage/retrieval system, two robotic manipulators, and two additional PC-based computers. This equipment is being combined with hardware that includes five robotic manipulators with PC-based controllers, a computer controlled conveyor system, and a vision system. The Intelligent Factory supports two courses: Flexible Manufacturing Systems and Improving Manufacturing with Artificial Intelligence Techniques. Students use the Intelligent Factory as an independent facility and in conjunction with the AI Processing Center. Through these applications, students study the operation and control of a realistic Computer Integrated Manufacturing environment. All three components of the AIM laboratory are connected via a computer network.
