OMATIVE Systems is a member of the following two EU Consortiums currently working on joint development projects on advanced "Factories of the Future" within the European Commission’s 7th Framework Program (FP7).
Advanced Intelligent Machine Adaptive Control System (AIMACS)
The objective of the AIMACS project is to develop active, self-optimizing “intelligent” Adaptive Control systems that continuously analyze a wide range of monitored machining process parameters, and automatically adapt the machine operation in real time to its optimal performance. The optimization takes into account continuously varying machining conditions, production disruptions and anomalies, plant performance variations, and unexpected changes in production plans.
AIMACS is focused on developing reliable techniques for monitoring the most critical machining parameters such as cutting load, vibrations, and energy consumption, and on developing real-time optimization algorithms for effective, adaptive, and sustainable machining.
As a plug-and-produce system, AIMACS will be applicable to newly built machines and also for retrofit to the installed base of existing machines.
HARCO (Hierarchical and Adaptive smaRt Components)
The objective of the HARCO project is to design, develop, prototype, and test smart adaptive components for building machine tools. These components will be configured from “plug-and-produce” functional blocks and adaptronic modules that will be integrated using the HARCO virtual mechatronic environment.
Adaptive structures made from such components will revolutionize the construction of machine tool and manufacturing machinery in the 21st century.
The basic idea is to create “fractal” and “hierarchical” mechanical control hardware and software elements that can be easily combined to produce higher level modules for active vibration control, thermal compensation, and adaptive fixturing in precision machine tool applications.
The primary goal is to integrate smart and multi-functional actuators and sensors capable of performing a wide array of machining control tasks. The capabilities range from intense and adaptable damping and stiffness characteristics, to interactive structural measurement and other demanding control functions. Together, these achieve the extremely high dynamic characteristics and thermal stability required for fast precision machining.
HARCO meets the challenge of producing extremely stiff, light weight, and well damped structures, which fully integrate new adaptronic devices. These devices include electromechanical, electronic, and measuring systems, as well as sensors and actuators.
The application of more intelligent and integrated structural solutions in a cost-effective manner is essential to meeting performance targets of commercially viable machines – leading to enormous benefits in machine tool applications.
