Abstract

SANCHEZ-CHAVEZ, Irma Yolanda  and  MARTELL-CHAVEZ, Fernando. Multilevel automation of a manufacturing robotic cell using finite state machines. Ing. invest. y tecnol. [online]. 2019, vol.20, n.4, 00005.  Epub Nov 15, 2019. ISSN 2594-0732.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fi.25940732e.2019.20n4.041.

A practical case of automation of a manufacturing robotic cell is presented, which is solved by finite state machines that implement the operation sequence of every unit of the cell, as well the integration of all the units. In many cases, no methodology is used in automation for the design of control logic and even less for programming. For this reason the finite state machine is shown as a strategy for the design and structured programming applied to programmable logic controllers. Code generation is demonstrated from the proposed finite state machines. Multilevel automation achieves the automated execution of the total functioning of the cell, and also integrates the manual operation mode to allow the direct manipulation of the actuators, as well as a semiautomated operation mode to test or execute the processing of the units individually, and give flexibility before possible interruptions of the cell work cycle. The resultant design satisfies the functional specifications and facilitates the comprehension, maintenance and modification of the automated system. This work contributes with an automation case using methodologic tools, useful for the capacitation in this area, and for the development of competences in the context of industry 4.0.

Keywords : Finite state machines; supervisory control; PLC code generation.