Strategic Research Plan

The ERC/RMS strategic research plan is developed based on the three-plane system diagram illustrated below, which is an exceptionally good tool to plan research of complex systems. Starting from the marketplace requirements, system tools that facilitate rapid response to fluctuations in demand and uncertainty are defined. The system requirements define new enabling technologies (of system, machine, and controls) that are needed, and those, in turn, indicate directions in which fundamental research is considered necessary. At this stage the enabling technologies and basic knowledge define the Thrust Areas. In the implementation stage we are moving in each thrust area in the other direction of the 3-plane diagram. The discovery of new knowledge inspires the development of corresponding engineering enabling technology tools, which may be methodologies, software or hardware prototypes. Enabling technologies are integrated into a number of software and hardware testbeds that are utilized to validate the research findings and tools.

Center Research Goals and Thrust Areas

The Center has four research goals that are designed to support the strategic vision discussed in above.

• Development of methodologies and mathematical tools for the systematic, cost-effective design of reconfigurable manufacturing systems and enterprises that are scalable and convertible
• Creation of a new generation reconfigurable controllers for RMS and reconfigurable machines, as well as methodologies and software tools for their design
• Development of in-process part inspection methodologies to be integrated with system root-cause analysis tools
• Development of methodologies and mathematical tools for RMS operations in a multi-part production mode including part re-routing scheduling and responsive maintenance policies

To accomplish these goals we perform research in three corresponding Thrust Areas.

TA-1: System Design and Operations

TA-2: Manufacturing Information and Control

TA-3: In-Process Metrology