Tele-operation of a manufacturing system for vocational education

Abstract

A flexible manufacturing system was designed and developed to become a decentralised modular network manufacturing plant in the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan). The system consists of a flexible machining cell, flexible assembly cell, automatic storage system, a database server, web-server and video conferencing system which are to be linked by various networks internationally with other educational institutions or manufacturing sites. Various areas for the development such as system layout, simulation, mechanical design, hardware and software development have been carried out. The current development is to establish a web-based control and training system to the customers or students. They can view the operation of manufacturing and assembly processes as well as access system data and information globally. The aim of this paper is to report the tele-control development of the flexible manufacturing system. The development changes the current education process. The system provides virtual and animated images on design, manufacturing attributes and supports remote training. Students, at a distant location can acquire skills, production methods and access system data and information globally. Moreover, instant feedback from students is possible, as they can make criticism at any geographical area. Delivery of knowledge can now be on-line and in real time globally to achieve better result of education. Students using this system can communicate with the system host using Internet or ISDN leased line directly. They can submit task on various manufacturing processes and control of industrial robots through Internet or intranet. Host’s feedback to students is also provided in order to enhance the learning process.