Reconfigurable Product and Production Demonstration Digital Factory 4.0

Abstract

This paper describes the second step towards a reconfigurable product and production demo line for a learning factory after being presented at CLF2022 [1]. As of October 2022, P.A.M. Engineering & Automation Co, Ltd., the supplier of a module of this system to Chiang Mai University for teaching purposes and has been using it successfully for two years (Video can be found under [2]), commissioned the entire system on site and hands over. Due to import and delivery restrictions during the covid pandemic, this project has been delayed for about ten months. Building on the Framework of Thailand i4.0 Index [3], the research team developed an Index for system integrators (SI) in parallel, discussed it with a focus group of universities and industry in March and carried out a pilot test in September 2022. The interaction of these two elements to accommodate Industry 4.0 transformation, development of abilities, and potential for employees is the focus of the presentation at CLF2023.

Aim for targeting the demo line to be easily adapted, the research team uses the principle of ANSI/ISA-S88 to help the design, which separates the production control from the production sequence and designs each station as a service provider for each product order. The features of the demo line are also designed to modify the system at different levels as a learning factory for Thailand i4.0 Index. From discussions within the framework of CLF2022, this could significantly shorten the i4.0 transition process in some member countries.

Keywords: Reconfigurable Product and Production, Demonstration Digital Factory, Learning Factory, Maturity Index, Digital Twins