Introduction

Automation is revolutionizing the field of mechanical engineering by enabling precision, efficiency, and consistency across manufacturing processes and systems. Through the integration of robotics, control systems, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI), automation is transforming industries such as automotive, aerospace, robotics, and manufacturing. This 5-day course on Automation in Mechanical Engineering will provide a comprehensive overview of automation principles, tools, and techniques. Participants will gain the skills needed to design, implement, and optimize automated systems to enhance productivity and performance in mechanical engineering applications.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of automation and its applications in mechanical engineering.
2. Learn the core components of an automated system, including sensors, actuators, controllers, and communication systems.
3. Develop expertise in robotics, industrial automation, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for system integration.
4. Analyze and design automated processes in manufacturing systems, focusing on efficiency, quality control, and safety.
5. Implement motion control, feedback systems, and vision systems in automation systems.
6. Apply the principles of Industry 4.0 and IoT (Internet of Things) in the context of smart manufacturing and automated systems.
7. Gain hands-on experience with simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW) and real-world automation tools and equipment.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Mechanical Engineers, Automation Engineers, and Mechatronics Engineers working on automated systems and manufacturing processes.
• Control Systems Engineers interested in integrating automation technologies into mechanical systems.
• Industrial Engineers focused on improving efficiency, productivity, and quality in manufacturing systems.
• Project Managers and Systems Integrators involved in implementing automation projects.
• Graduate students and researchers interested in the design, analysis, and optimization of automated systems.
• Maintenance Engineers responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining automated systems in industrial environments.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Automation and Basic Components of Automated Systems

• Morning Session:

  1. Overview of Automation in Mechanical Engineering: Key Concepts, Trends, and Applications
  2. Automation System Components: Sensors, Actuators, Controllers, and Communication Networks
  3. Control Systems: Introduction to Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Control Systems
  4. Types of Automation: Fixed, Programmable, and Flexible Automation

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Sensors and Actuators in Automation: Types (Temperature, Pressure, Proximity, Vision, etc.) and Their Role in Automated Systems
  2. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Structure, Working Principle, and Programming Basics
  3. Automation Communication Networks: Fieldbus, Ethernet, and Wireless Communication in Industrial Systems
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Build a Basic Automated System Using a PLC to Control Actuators Based on Sensor Input

Day 2: Robotics and Motion Control in Automation

• Morning Session:

  1. Introduction to Robotics: Types of Robots (Industrial, Collaborative, Mobile, Humanoids), Kinematics, and Dynamics
  2. Robot Programming and Control: Point-to-Point Control, Path Control, and Motion Profiles
  3. Robot End-Effector Design: Grippers, Tools, and Actuators for Various Applications
  4. Motion Control Systems: Motors, Drives, and Controllers in Robotic Systems

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Industrial Robots in Manufacturing: Applications in Assembly, Material Handling, Welding, and Painting
  2. CNC and 3D Printing Systems: Integration of Robots in Additive Manufacturing and CNC Machining
  3. Closed-Loop Feedback Systems in Robotics: Sensors for Position, Force, and Velocity Feedback
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Design and Simulate a Robotic Arm System with MATLAB/Simulink or LabVIEW

Day 3: Industrial Automation and Process Control

• Morning Session:

  1. Automated Manufacturing Systems: Concepts of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), Cellular Manufacturing, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
  2. Process Control in Automation: PID Controllers, Cascade Control, and Advanced Control Strategies for Industrial Systems
  3. Automated Material Handling Systems: Conveyors, Sorters, and Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems
  4. Quality Control in Automation: In-Line Inspection Systems, Vision Systems, and Robotic Inspection

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Subtractive Manufacturing, and Laser Cutting
  2. Integration of IoT in Industrial Automation: Monitoring, Data Collection, and Remote Control of Automated Systems
  3. Safety Standards in Automation: Risk Assessment, Safety Protocols, and Safety PLCs in Automated Systems
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Design a Fully Automated Assembly Line Using PLC Programming and Simulate it Using MATLAB/Simulink

Day 4: Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, and System Integration

• Morning Session:

  1. Industry 4.0 and Its Impact on Mechanical Engineering: Cyber-Physical Systems, Cloud Computing, and Big Data
  2. Smart Manufacturing: Advanced Sensors, AI, Machine Learning, and Predictive Maintenance in Automated Systems
  3. Cybersecurity in Automation: Protecting Automated Systems from Cyber Threats and Attacks
  4. Data Analytics in Automation: Real-Time Monitoring, Predictive Maintenance, and System Optimization

• Afternoon Session:

  1. The Role of Cloud Computing in Automation: Cloud-Based Monitoring and Control of Automated Systems
  2. Digital Twins: Simulation and Modeling of Automated Systems for Optimization and Monitoring
  3. System Integration: Connecting Different Automation Components (Robots, PLCs, Sensors, Actuators) into a Unified System
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Implement a Smart Manufacturing System with IoT Integration and Cloud-Based Data Monitoring

Day 5: Advanced Automation Techniques and Future Trends

• Morning Session:

  1. Artificial Intelligence in Automation: Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics, Vision Systems, and Autonomous Robots
  2. Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Working with Humans, Safety Features, and Applications in Flexible Environments
  3. Simulation and Modeling of Automated Systems: Using MATLAB, Simulink, or LabVIEW for Process Simulation and Control Design
  4. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Navigation, Path Planning, and Integration in Warehouse and Manufacturing Environments

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Future of Automation in Mechanical Engineering: Trends in Autonomous Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainable Automation Solutions
  2. Case Studies in Automation: Real-World Applications and Challenges in Manufacturing, Robotics, and Energy Systems
  3. Hands-On Exercise: Design and Simulate an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) with Path Planning and Obstacle Avoidance in MATLAB/Simulink
  4. Wrap-Up and Certification: Final Q&A, Course Recap, and Distribution of Certificates

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Automation in Mechanical Engineering. This certification acknowledges the participant’s proficiency in designing, implementing, and optimizing automation systems in various mechanical engineering applications.