A Pneumatic Automation Simulator is developed using pneumatic and electro-pneumatic elements in the Industrial Engineering Laboratory at this institution. The simulator is used primarily in the manufacturing oriented engineering courses. It provides practical instruction to students in the design, test, and microcomputer control of pneumatic circuits that generate several of the automation functions used in manufacturing methods and assembly systems. The most common functions in the circuit designs are work clamping, release and/or ejection, orientation, work sequencing and delay. This instructional facility also acts as an independent setup for student projects and attracts industry collaboration with the institution in the continuing education of their engineers in the use of pneumatic automation systems. This award is being matched by an equal sum from the grantee.
