Virtual preparation and commissioning of production systems including PLC logics
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | CHALMERS TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLA AKTIEBOLAG - Institutionen för signaler och system |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 8 730 000 |
| Project duration | July 2014 - November 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | FFI - Sustainable Production |
| Call | 2013-05659-en |
| End-of-project report | 2014-01408eng.pdf (pdf, 2389 kB) |
Important results from the project
The project aimed to increase the use of virtual tools and mathematical methods for production systems development, reducing physical prototypes and tests. The goal was to develop a complete work chain from virtual preparation, via automatically generated PLC code, to virtual and physical commissioning. Procedures were developed for the use of virtual tools and methods by OEMs and their suppliers, and these procedures were practically evaluated and showed to be beneficial.
Expected long term effects
The project result aids engineers to handle the increasing complexity that comes as a result from increased customization and new technological advances; the introduction of more product models and a higher degree of product variety. Simplifying this handling make companies more competitive on a mass customization and technology driven market. This includes shorter time-to-market, improved quality of the production systems and the products, and more technically advanced and sustainable products.
Approach and implementation
Pilot projects were performed involving OEMs and line builders, where virtual tools and methods were defined. A real development project at Volvo Cars then applied the results in developing two new production stations for the Torslanda body-in-white factory. The line builder used the virtual tools and methods developed in VIRTCOM2. This showed that the project results aid in developing production stations, and results in an increase in productivity within the area of production preparation.