C h a p t e r 1
A major enabler of flexible manufacturing is real-time
awareness and perception—the ability of machines,
robots, and automated equipment to perceive their
environment in real-time. On a deeper level, real-
time awareness and perception are concerned with
machines identifying the objects in their environment
and the objects that the machine's process needs
to manipulate. Another element is machines being
aware of themselves, including their performance,
condition, and health.
Naturally, awareness and perception rely heavily
on various sensors. For self-awareness, current,
vibration, and temperature sensors can offer
automation equipment insights into their own
REAL-TIME
AWARENESS AND
PERCEPTION
Flexible manufacturing is an approach to
producing goods and services that enables
adaptation to changing market conditions,
customer demand, and other factors.
Utilizing appropriate technologies enables
quick changeovers and modifications in
the production process."
Karol Habryka
Application Engineering Manager, Universal Robots
6
10 Experts on Flexible Manufacturing
