Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The wide scope of products variants driven by customers' preferences and dynamic demand fluctuations introduce challenges which directly impact manufacturing systems design and operation to cope with these changes efficiently and cost effectively. Adaptable, reconfigurable and smart manufacturing help meet these challenges. The proposed research program seeks to develop new knowledge and innovative enablers of intelligent, adaptable, flexible and reconfigurable assembly systems. This leading edge research emphasizes a holistic integrated view of manufacturing from designing products to making them, and targets three important themes: a) Design Synthesis and Co-Development of assembly systems for products variety using Co-platforming to ensure their adaptability and efficient reconfiguration, b) Adaptive routing for smart manufacturing systems responsiveness to change and disruptions, and c) Digital Twins of assembly and manufacturing systems for their intelligent operation. The research results will be validated using industrial test cases and demonstrated using a modular and changeable Learning Factory (iFactory) in the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) Center. Innovative models for integrating manufacturing systems design with products features using a new “Co-platforming” methodology will enable systems adaptability and efficient reconfiguration. Co-development of manufacturing systems and evolving products will prolong their useable life and increase their economic sustainability. Digital intelligent manufacturing systems require adaptable equipment and operation strategies to cope with increasingly frequent changes on the shop floor. New methodologies for adaptable non-linear assembly sequence networks will allow manufacturers to change routing and products/machines assignments quickly and efficiently in response to products and production changes and disruptions on the shop floor. A Digital Twin (shadow) of manufacturing systems with built-in intelligence will enable their event-based adaptable process actions and smart operation. All three projects will enable more intelligent smart manufacturing for large and medium manufacturers. The research program will provide valuable learning experience and exposure to state-of-the-Art research and facilities, such as the Learning Factory (iFactory), for more than 26 researchers. They will also gain practical experience by participating in industrial research projects and collaborations. The planned research is of strategic importance to Canada's plan to be at the forefront of the intelligent manufacturing paradigm. Application of its results will make manufacturing systems economically sustainable. It will enhance productivity, performance, and profitability of the important manufacturing sector and increase Canada's global competitiveness.