Mini Factory 4.0

Educational project

SUPSI Image Focus

The Mini-Factory represents the ideal synthesis of truly hands-on training and an environment where new technological solutions can be tested. The Mini-Factory is a fully automated production and assembly system where students learn how to apply the fundamental concepts of Industry 4.0.
The Mini-Factory is a state-of-the-art IIOT production facility used to manufacture various products. The flexible production and assembly process is able to dynamically respond to customised orders, while continuing to operate on a stock basis, and demonstrates remarkable adaptability and resilience.

The hardware and software components that enhance the process just described are:
  1. Vertical warehouse (Bosch-Rexroth profiles and customised steel components). 
  2. Three-axis Cartesian robot (Bosch-Rexroth IndraDrive Cs motion control and three-phase permanent magnet synchronous servomotor MSK040C/MSK040C Rexroth).
  3.  RFID system (X-NUCLEO-NFC05A1). 
  4. Laser triangulation sensor (Micro-epsilon scanCONTROL 2950).
  5. Transport system (Bosch-Rexroth NYCe 4000 motion control, TECNOTION TM6Z linear motor). 
  6. Control station with PLC (Omron NJ501-1400) and HMI (Omron NA5). 
  7. 4-axis SCARA robot (Omron-Yamaha R6 XGL 400150).      
  8.  Automatic tool change. 
  9. Detachment station. 
  10. Production modules. The current configuration, designed to be highly modular, consists of several 3D printers. A camera array (Wenglor Weqube B50M110) identifies the functionality and relative position of the production modules.
  11. Assembly station.
  12. Human-robot collaboration station (Universal Robots UR5e).
  13. Digital Twin