The Role of Sensors and Encoders in Modern Manufacturing

Perhaps it didn't matter much back then, but Wireless Sensor Networks are a blessing for the Manufacturing Industry in today's time. Wireless Networks and Sensors are making things easy for the industry and its uses will only expand in the coming years. Here is a detailed article on Sensors, Encoders, Wireless Networks, Industrial/Real-world Applications, and Future Trends.

- Dhiraj Bhalerao

Today manufacturing industry faces challenges like maintaining robust, zero-breakdown performance amidst various uncertainties like machine breakdowns, sensor failures, and communication delays. To address this issue, sensors and encoders play a crucial role in maintenance operations. By integrating machine health information into manufacturing control, supervisory controllers can proactively implement fallback strategies, ensuring continuous and efficient operations despite potential disruptions.

Sensors and encoders in manufacturing systems offer flexibility and introduce constraints and uncertainties that can impact stability and performance. This approach decomposes the overall control problem into smaller, interconnected optimisation tasks, considering resource constraints and device health.

Essential Role of Encoders in Modern Motor-Driven Systems

Encoders are crucial in devices requiring precise and rapid operation, particularly in motor-driven systems. They are commonly used in industrial robots for tasks such as assembly, welding, and machining. Despite their critical role in modern manufacturing, many people may not have seen these technologies in action in the latest automated factories.

Factory automation (Smart factory): Factory automation, or the concept of smart factories, involves the use of advanced technology to control and streamline production processes. In modern factories, machines like machining centres, which handle tasks such as cutting and drilling, are computer-controlled for precision. Parts are then automatically assembled by industrial robots. These fully automated factories leverage computers and networks for design, processing, storage, management, transport, and assembly, embodying the principles of Industry 4.0.