Abstract: Modelling approaches for industry are typically classified into data-driven and physics-based models. The first type often struggles to interpret the complexities of physical systems and require enough data to capture patterns, while the second type depends on detailed information, which might be only partially available or subject to uncertainty. The recent methodology of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) is investigated as a hybrid approach that integrates neural network flexibility with the definition of physical constraints. The work focuses first on a review of PINNs applications in industry, highlighting their advantages over traditional methods in terms of efficiency and versatility. Then, methods and tools for PINN implementation are described and a general mathematical formulation is provided. In order to validate the model, a case study concerning the prediction of the thermal power of an industrial Air Handling Unit (AHU) is proposed, detailing the implementation process. The results show good performance compared to traditional data-driven techniques, highlighting the main advantages of this hybrid approach, such as the efficiency even with simple physical models and a smaller amount of training data.

Keywords: Energy Systems | Industrial Engineering | Physics-Informed Neural Networks | Prediction Models | Scientific Machine Learning

Abstract: Requirements elicitation is a crucial phase in Requirements Engineering, laying the foundation for the system design process. Gathering requirements entails employing structured methods to understand the specific requests of the stakeholders involved. Given the intricate multi-domain nature of mechatronic systems and the increasing customer expectations, establishing robust foundations during the requirements elicitation phase becomes imperative. Two widely adopted methods for requirements elicitation, namely the House of Quality (HoQ) and Black Box Analysis (BBA), are separately applied to a case study involving an automatic parking gate. The system is then designed using the RFLP (Requirements - Functional - Logical - Physical) approach for mechatronic systems design. An integrated proposal combining both methods is then presented and applied to the same case study. The aim is to address each method’s limitations and improve the requirements elicitation process to generate a comprehensive list of requirements that considers customer needs and essential system functionalities.

Keywords: Black Box Analysis | House Of Quality | Requirements Engineering | RFLP | Systems Engineering

Abstract: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies for system design are widely discussed in the literature and commonly adopted in industrial contexts. However, there is a lack of methods to support the construction of a consistent set of models representative of the System of Interest (SoI). The establishment of dependencies among model elements (i) within each model, (ii) at each level of system decomposition, and (iii) through different levels of system decomposition is a critical enabling activity. The present paper proposes the DREME (Definition of RElationships among Model Elements) framework to define relationships among model elements within a MBSE methodology. The DREME framework has been defined by using the knowledge-based approach (KBA).

Keywords: Knowledge-Based Approach | MBSE | model consistency | relationships | RFLP

Abstract: In the context of designing of customized products, ensuring the verification of requirements and stakeholder needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner poses significant challenges. This paper proposes a Virtual Prototyping approach, integrating Computer-Aided Design and multibody modelling, to leverage their respective advantages. The presented case study involves the integration of two pre-existing robots, a cobot and an Autonomous Mobile Robot, to realize an Autonomous Mobile Cobot tailored to the specific needs of a manufacturing industry. Through Virtual Prototyping approach, part of the requirements, including spatial and assembly constraint, are verified by means of CAD, while interaction and behavioural requirements are verified through multibody modelling and simulation. This work highlights the efficacy of Virtual Prototyping in achieving comprehensive design verification for tailored products. By simulating the behaviour and performance of the designed system before physical implementation, Virtual Prototyping reduces the time and costs associated with traditional trial-and-error methods. Moreover, it enables a more thorough exploration of design alternatives and optimization strategies, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the design process.

Keywords: CAD | human-robot collaboration | multibody modelling | Virtual Prototyping

Abstract: Predicting energy consumption has become a critical issue for energy-intensive industrial contexts. A significant contribution to their overall energy load is due to the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. This work, therefore, aims to validate the applicability of a probabilistic graphical approach, the Bayesian Network, in predicting the HVAC systems' energy consumption. As a data-driven approach, it is compared with more common AI-based models like Support Vector Machine, Artificial Neural Networks and Random Forest. The graphical approach ensures a better interpretation of the main factors determining the energy consumption and the relationships underlying these dependences. After an initial contextualisation and an analysis of the state of the art, the design methodology of a Bayesian network is investigated in detail, deepening in the various solutions for each step and evaluating their performance through the application on two industrial case studies. The results show that Bayesian networks, despite not always providing the best results, are a valid solution, trading off between simplicity, flexibility, and performance. Moreover, the possibility to provide a physical interpretation of the results is one of its main strengths. The critical aspect encountered, instead, is the need for discretisation, which strongly influences the quality of the results.

Keywords: Bayesian networks | Energy consumption prediction | HVAC systems | Industrial engineering | Machine learning

Abstract: Virtual prototyping is a strategic practice in the research and development of innovative products and machine tools. Virtual prototyping allows the integration of multidomain simulations into the designing process to replicate and analyze the impact of design choices on the overall system performance, reducing time-to-market while simultaneously improving quality. The current paper provided a methodological approach to model complex machine tools and perform virtual testing. As a use case for this study, a parallel kinematic machine (Pentapod P800, METROM Mechatronische Maschinen GmbH, Germany) is investigated. The adoption of these complex machine tools within the industrial context and the design of parallel kinematic machines can be eased by the implementation of methodologies capable of reducing efforts and risks during the analysis and the testing phases, prior to actual commissioning. In this scenario, virtual testing guarantees generality, completeness, and quick response. Therefore, the multibody model of the Pentapod P800 was developed following the proposed framework. Then, the simulation of a test trajectory was successfully carried out. The results show that this approach might lead to the design and implementation of a parallel kinematics machine reducing risks, time, and costs.

Keywords: Digital modelling | Multibody modelling | Parallel kinematic machines | Virtual prototyping

Abstract: According to the Industry 5.0 framework, the smart factory should combine digitalization and prediction activities with a greater sustainability and human centrality within working processes. Indeed, the optimization and improvement of the manufacturing processes have to meet cost criteria related to energy consumption, safety, and implementation of new technologies. The development of better and more advanced technologies boosts Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) in the manufacturing processes. However, due to the high number of safety standards about collaborative robotics and the absence of tools and specific design approaches, collaborative robots (cobots) are still widely adopted as traditional industrial robots wasting the huge potential of a properly Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). The layout designing is a crucial activity in achieving a proper and effective HRC. This work illustrates how to transfer standard-compliant layout solutions towards an interactive three-dimensional (3D) visualization environment in order to enable the digital prototyping of HRC workplaces. The possibility to automatically generate and visualize multiple layout solutions of collaborative workplaces, and then, to simulate the interaction between human and robot, represents one of the most significant tasks during the designing process. HRC workplace layout is designed according to an optimization criterion, by using the full integration of a numerical computing platform with an interactive 3D visualization environment. Then, by means of the variation of the input parameters, the visualization of new layout solutions is enabled in a fast and effective way.

Keywords: Human-robot collaboration | Industry 5.0 | Interactive prototyping | Workplace layout

Abstract: Optimizing and predicting the energy consumption of industrial manufacturing can increase its cost efficiency. The interaction of different aspects and components is necessary. An overarching framework is currently still missing, and establishing such is the central research approach in this paper. This paper provides an overview of the current demands on the manufacturing industry from the perspective of digitalization and sustainability. On the basis of the developed fundamentals and parameters, a superordinate framework is proposed that allows the modelling and simulation of energy-specific properties on several product and process levels. A detailed description of the individual methods concludes this work and demonstrates their application potential in an industrial context. As a result, this integrated conceptual framework offers the possibility of optimizing the production system, in relation to different energy flexibility criteria.

Keywords: digital transformation | digital twin | energy management | life cycle assessment | sustainability

Abstract: In the context of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, the introduction of collaborative workplaces, where humans and robots work together, represents a growing trend to improve the productivity, adaptability, and flexibility of production plants. Indeed, human–robot collaboration (HRC) is a very deepened topic in the scientific community and the designing of collaborative workplaces is a challenging issue due to the high level of complexity and multidisciplinary of its features. This work tackles the complexity of collaborative workplaces and proposes a structured framework to support strategic decisions in designing. A multi-level designing framework is proposed as a supporting tool for designers. Within five domains of collaborative robotics, the elements of a collaborative workplace are identified and proposed in a framework in order to better consider human safety and working conditions during the designing process. A decomposition matrix and an adjacency matrix are used to develop a multi-level designing workflow. Finally, an interactive tool is presented, named “Smart Graph Interface” (SGI), to read and exploit the contents of the framework. The SGI is applied to three case studies from the literature, to spread out principal outcomes in terms of applicability and robustness.

Keywords: Collaborative workplace design | Graph theory | Human–robot collaboration | Multi-level design | User interface

Abstract: Nowadays, several manufacturing systems are evolving towards a greater collaboration between human and robots. The development of such systems requires integrated design tasks involving many disciplines and domains such as systems engineering, safety analyses and multiphysics. Furthermore, the increasing presence of multiple and structured requirements makes the use of models inevitable during the designing phases and also strongly helpful during other phases of the system life-cycle. Besides, for a better efficiency, there is an increasing demand to have a Digital Twin of the system to be used for different purposes such as design improvements by playing different scenarios, virtual commissioning and controlling maintenance activities. In this paper, we first summarize the research context, the reference methodologies, and the emerging needs for Digital Twin creation. Then, we apply a design approach including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Model-Based Safety Assessment (MBSA) and multi-physics modeling for the design of a collaborative workplace for the assembly of Electro-Mechanical Actuators on an aircraft wing. An operational flow to integrate MBSE, MBSA and multi-physics modelling activities is provided. Then, after having identified some relevant scientific barriers, we provide a meta-model for system models integration within a digital twin framework.

Keywords: Collaborative workplace | Digital twin definition | MBSA | MBSE | Multiphysics modelling and simulation | Safety critical systems

Abstract: Enabling technologies that drive Industry 4.0 and smart factories are pushing in new equipment and system development also to prevent human workers from repetitive and non-ergonomic tasks inside manufacturing plants. One of these tasks is the order-picking which consists in collecting parts from the warehouse and distributing them among the workstations and vice-versa. That task can be completely performed by a Mobile Manipulator that is composed by an industrial manipulator assembled on a Mobile Robot. Although the Mobile Manipulators implementation brings advantages to industrial applications, they are still not widely used due to the lack of dedicated standards on control and safety. Furthermore, there are few integrated solutions and no specific or reference point allowing the safe integration of mobile robots and cobots (already owned by company). This work faces the integration of a generic mobile robot and collaborative robot selected from an identified set of both systems. The paper presents a safe and flexible mechatronic interface developed by using MBSE principles, multi-domain modeling, and adopting preliminary assumptions on the hardware and software synchronization level of both involved systems. The interface enables the re-using of owned robot systems differently from their native tasks. Furthermore, it provides an additional and redundant safety level by enabling power and force limiting both during cobot positioning and control system faulting.

Keywords: Human safety | Mbse | Mechatronic system | Mobile cobot | Mobile manipulator | Mobile robot

Abstract: In the paradigm of Industry 4.0, innovative workplaces characterized by Human-Robot Collaboration represent an important topic to improve productivity and adaptability of manufacturing plants. In this context, the design of a collaborative workplace is a challenging issue because of the high level of complexity due to multidisciplinary and non-homogeneity of its features, as well as the presence of human very close to the robot. This work faces with the complexity of collaborative workplace and proposes a structured framework to support strategic decisions in designing. It suggests a clusterization of factors and effects, based on five domains involved in collaborative workplace, in order to better consider the human safety and working conditions. Consequently, the main elements of a collaborative workplace are highlighted in a matrix decomposed in relevant features and main incident factors, and a multi-level designing workflow is described to report collaborative performances. The proposed approach manages connections among the elements by means of the graph theory in the form of an adjacency matrix in order to show and manage the complexity of the problem. A user interface named Smart Graph Interface was developed to read and manipulate the contents of the adjacency matrix. Main results are reported on an assembly and sealing of a refrigerator, to spread out principal outcomes in terms of applicability and robustness.

Keywords: Collaborative workplace design | Graph theory | Human-robot collaboration (HRC) | Multi-level designing | User interface

Abstract: Nowadays, the commercial translation of additive manufacturing technologies for scaffolds fabrication is still a challenge. The production methodology of 3D scaffolds for tissue regeneration is a complex and discontinuous process involving several stages, from the isolation of the stem cells to the dynamic cell culture in vitro. Even though in this scenario industries are increasingly implementing automated robotic systems, current technologies are not enough to realize a large industrial scale scaffold fabrication. Accordingly, a relevant improvement could raise from the implementation of a modern collaborative workplace in an existing production line, combining strength endurance and accuracy of cobots, with intelligence, flexibility, and adaptability of the human being. Such a solution overcomes limits related to the low level of process control, low productivity, and risk of contaminations. Therefore, the current work proposes a systematic approach to the design of a collaborative workplace for biomanufacturing of 3D scaffolds. Starting from an overview of basic concepts on scaffolds for tissue engineering and additive manufacturing, as well as from an analysis of automation solutions in cell culture applications, a design methodology section is reported. The paper provides a further insight into the potentials to upscale the scaffolds manufacturing process, taking advantage of the huge possibilities given from the Human-Robot Collaboration and gives evidence of critical features for workplace definition.

Keywords: Automatic layout generation | Biomanufacturing | Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) | Workplace design

Abstract: The innovation-driven Industry 5.0 leads us to consider humanity in a prominent position as the center of the manufacturing field even more than Industry 4.0. This pushes us towards the hybridization of manufacturing plants promoting a full collaboration between humans and robots. However, there are currently very few workplaces where effective Human–Robot Collaboration takes place. Layout designing plays a key role in assuring safe and efficient Human–Robot Collaboration. The layout design, especially in the context of collaborative robotics, is a complex problem to face, since it is related to safety, ergonomics, and productivity aspects. In the current work, a Knowledge-Based Approach (KBA) is adopted to face the complexity of the layout design problem. The framework resulting from the KBA allows for developing a modeling paradigm that enables us to define a streamlined approach for the layout design. The proposed approach allows for placing resource within the workplace according to a defined optimization criterion, and also ensures compliance with various standards. This approach is applied to an industrial case study in order to prove its feasibility. A what-if analysis is performed by applying the proposed approach. Changing three control factors (i.e., minimum distance, robot speed, logistic space configuration) on three levels, in a Design of Experiments, 27 layout configurations of the same workplace are generated. Consequently, the inputs that most affect the layout design are identified by means of an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results show that only one layout is eligible to be the best configuration, and only two out of three control factors are very significant for the designing of the HRC workplace layout. Hence, the proposed approach enables the designing of standard compliant and optimized HRC workplace layouts. Therefore, several alternatives of the layout for the same workplace can be easily generated and investigated in a systematic manner.

Keywords: Digital layout optimization | Human–robot collaboration (HRC) | Knowledge-based approach (KBA) | What-if analysis

Abstract: The concept of magnetic guidance has opened a wide range of perspectives in the field of tissue regeneration. Accordingly, the aim of the current research is to design magnetic responsive scaffolds for enhanced bone tissue regeneration. Specifically, magnetic nanocomposite scaffolds are additively manufactured using 3D fibre deposition technique. The mechanical and magnetic properties of the fabricated scaffolds are first assessed. The role of magnetic features on the biological performances is properly analyzed.

Keywords: bone tissue engineering | design for additive manufacturing | magnetic nanocomposite scaffolds | mechanical and functional properties

Abstract: Human–robot collaboration (HRC) solutions are replacing classic industrial robot due to the possibility of realizing more flexible production systems. Collaborative robot systems, named cobot, can work side by side with humans combining their strengths. However, obtaining an efficient HRC is not trivial; indeed, the potential advantages of the collaborative robotics increase as complexity increases. In this context, the main challenge is to design the layout of collaborative workplaces facing the facility layout problem and ensuring the safety of the human being. To move through the high number of safety standards could be very tiring and unproductive. Therefore, in this work a list of key elements, linked to reference norms and production needs, characterizing the collaborative workplace has been identified. Then, a graph-based approach has been used in order to organize and easily manage this information. The management by means graphs has facilitated the implementation of the acquired knowledge in a code, developed in Matlab environment. This code aims to help the designer in the layout organization of human–robot collaborative workplaces in standards compliance. The paper presents the optimization code, named Smart Positioner, and the operation is explained through a workflow diagram.

Keywords: Facility layout problem | Human–robot collaboration | Knowledge-based approach | Optimization criteria

Abstract: The measurement of geometric and dimensional variations in the context of large-sized products is a complex operation. One of the most efficient ways to identify deviations is by comparing the nominal object with a digitalisation of the real object through a reverse engineering process. The accurate digitalisation of large geometric models usually requires multiple acquisitions from different acquiring locations; the acquired point clouds must then be correctly aligned in the 3D digital environment. The identification of the exact scanning location is crucial to correctly realign point clouds and generate an accurate 3D CAD model. To achieve this, an acquisition method based on the use of a handling device is proposed that enhances reverse engineering scanning systems and is able to self-locate. The present paper tackles the device's locating problem by using sensor data fusion based on a Kalman filter. The method was first simulated in a MatLAB environment; a prototype was then designed and developed using low-cost hardware. Tests on the sensor data fusion have shown a locating accuracy better than that of each individual sensor. Despite the low-cost hardware, the results are encouraging and open to future improvements.

Keywords: Handling device | Large-scale metrology | Position measurement | Product design | Sensor data fusion

Abstract: Additive manufacturing represents a powerful tool for the direct fabrication of lightweight and porous structures with tuneable properties. In this study, a fused deposition modelling/3D fibre deposition technique was considered for designing 3D nanocomposite scaffolds with specific architectures and tailored biological, mechanical, and mass transport properties. 3D poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite scaffolds were designed for bone tissue engineering. An optimisation design strategy for the additive manufacturing processes based on extrusion/injection methods was at first extended to the development of the PCL/HA scaffolds. Further insight into the effect of the process parameters on the mechanical properties and morphological features of the nanocomposite scaffolds was provided. The nanocomposite structures were analysed at different levels, and the possibility of designing 3D customised scaffolds for mandibular defect regeneration (i.e., symphysis and ramus) was also reported.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing | Design of Experiments | Nanocomposites | Reverse Engineering | Scaffold Design and Analysis

Abstract: This paper deals with collaborative robotics by highlighting the main issues linked to the interaction between humans and robots. A critical study of the standards in force on human-robot interaction and the current principles on workplace design for human-robot collaboration (HRC) are presented. The paper focuses on an anthropocentric paradigm in which the human becomes the core of the workplace in combination with the robot, and it presents a basis for designing workplaces through two key concepts: (i) the introduction of human and robot spaces as elementary spaces and (ii) the dynamic variations of the elementary spaces in shape, size and position. According to this paradigm, the limitations of a safety-based approach, introduced by the standards, are overcome by positioning the human and the robot inside the workplace and managing their interaction through the elementary spaces. The introduced concepts, in combination with the safety prescriptions, have been organised by means of a multi-level graph for driving the HRC design phase. The collaborative workplace is separated into sublevels. The main elements of a collaborative workplace are identified and their relationships presented by means of digraphs.

Keywords: Anthropocentric approach | Collaborative environment | Digraph | Graph theory | Human-robot collaboration

Abstract: The measurement of geometric deviations within large-size products is a challenging topic. One of the most applied technique compares the nominal product with the digitalization of real product obtained by a reverse engineering process. Digitalization of big geometric models is usually performed by means of multiple acquisitions from different scanning locations. Therefore, digitalization needs to correctly place the acquired point clouds in 3D digital environment. For this purpose, it is very important identifying the exact scanning location in order to correctly realign point clouds and generate an accurate 3D CAD model.The present paper faces the locating problem of a handling device for reverse engineering scanning systems. It proposes a locating method by using sensor data fusion based on Kalman filter, implemented in Matlab environment by using a low-cost equipment.

Keywords: Kalman filter | Position measurement | Product design | Prototypes | Reverse Engineering | Sensor data fusion

Abstract: The present paper deals with collaborative robotics and proposes to enable collaborative workstations by means of the critical study of the in-force standards on Human Robot Cooperation. The paper introduces the anthropocentric paradigm and presents a new basis for designing workstation composed by two key concepts: (i) human and robot spaces are elementary spaces able to generate all other spaces; (ii) dynamic variations of the elementary spaces in terms of shape, size and position occur. Moreover, dynamic positions of human and robot spaces enable collaborative operations in case of mobile robots.

Keywords: anthropocentric design | dynamic workspace | human-robot interaction | safety

Abstract: High accuracy digitalisation of geometric models, related to big size objects, usually is performed by means of multiple acquisitions from different scanning locations. It needs to correctly place the acquired point clouds in 3D digital environment. For this purpose, it is very important identifying the exact scanning location in order to correctly realign point clouds and automatically generate an accurate 3D CAD model. The present paper focuses on design and prototype of a mobile handling device for reverse engineering scanning systems, named Dedalo. It is able to locate itself using a sensor fusion method based on a Kalman Filter. The sensor equipment is composed by wheel encoders and an ultrasonic sensor for measuring the distance from a known reference. Although Dedalo is equipped with low-cost hardware, results have showed a location accuracy by 0,1% error/meter, better than each sensor accuracy.

Keywords: Kalman filter | Position measurement | Product design | Prototypes | Reverse Engineering | Sensor data fusion