ADaPT - Automated design of production tools

Important results from the project

ADaPT´s purpose and goal is to increase the degree of automation in the production preparation with the support of design automation (DA) and thus be able to implement and utilize e.g. sensors in production. We have seen that DA works well in well-defined tasks such as, calculating optimal placement of products in a furnace. However, we see many challenges in automating strategic/dynamic decisions where there are many parameters that vary in the simulation. Furthermore, we see that increased simulation changes the engineer´s work tasks to define requirements and validate results.

Expected long term effects

Our result is that design automation or similar working methods work well as a tool for planning e.g. packing an oven or pallet with many variants of products in an optimal way, based on existing information in the companies´ systems. We see an expected effect that the companies will question what value they want from the digital tools they are introducing. And we see a need to define who owns information in different models and how to ensure traceability in the use and upgrades of digital models, especially in customer-supplier roles.

Approach and implementation

Through 9 different sub-studies, the project has analyzed digital tools as an opportunity to streamline production preparation. Initially, 2 studies were carried out - one on how to develop assembly cells for safe interaction between operator and robot and one about what type of challenge in a mechanical engineering production may be most suitable for DA and why. Based on these, further studies were conducted, but more in depth. These were analyzed and other types of production technical data were investigated. All results were discussed in workshops with all parties for validation.