I. INTRODUCTION : (1 Lecture)

• Definition; Types of automation; Reasons for automating; Automation strategies. 1 Lecture

II. DETROIT TYPE AUTOMATION : (4 Lectures)

• Automated flow lines: types and their selection; Methods of workpart transport; 1 Lecture
• Transfer mechanisms; Controlling of automated flow lines. 2 Lectures

III. ANALYSIS OF AUTOMATED FLOW LINES : (6 Lcetures)

• System aspects of designing and running the line; Average production time and production rate; Line efficiency; 3 Lectures
• Analysis  of  transfer  lines  without  storage  –  upper  bound  and  lower  bound approach; Partial automation. 3 Lectures

IV. AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS : (14 Lectures)

• Historical developments of the assembly process; Choice of assembly methods; 1 Lecture
• Design for automated assembly; Transfer systems; 2 Lectures
• Vibratory bowl feeders – its analysis; Non-vibratory feeders and their analysis; 5 Lectures
• Analysis and design of part orienting devices, 3 Lectures
• Feed tracks and part placing mechanisms. 3 Lectures

V. PROGRAMMABLE AUTOMATION : (3 Lectures)

• NC and CNC systems; 1Lecture
• Adaptive control systems – an overview. 2 Lectures

VI. INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS : (2 Lectures)

• Robot anatomy; Joints and links; Common robot configuration; 1 Lecture
• Types of robot control. 1 Lecture

VII. FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS : (2 Lectures)

• Processing stations; Material handling and storage; 1 Lecture
• Computer control systems; FMS layout configurations. 1 Lecture

VIII. GROUP TECHNOLOGY : (4 Lectures)

• Concept of GT; Advantages and drawbacks; Coding and classification; 1 Lecture
• Component classification; Part families; 1 Lecture
• Production flow analysis : cluster analysis, similarity coefficient. 2 Lectures