Class Robotics and Automation

This UC allows the exploration of the technical and engineering aspects of automated production
systems, providing advanced, comprehensive and balanced coverage of the subject. It covers leading
cutting-edge production automation technologies and how these technologies are used to build modern
manufacturing systems.

• CP1. Introduction: production systems, automation in production systems, automation principles and strategies, lean production and sustainability in engineering.
• CP2. Introduction to Automation: basic elements of an automated system, advanced automation functions, flexible manufacturing systems and associated elements (automated warehouses, materials handling).
• CP3. Industrial Control Systems: processes vs discrete production, continuous vs discrete control, PC control.
• CP4. Automation hardware components: sensors, actuators, A/D and D/A converters.
• CP5. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC): concepts, ladder logic diagrams.
• CP6. Industrial Robotics: anatomy, sensors, applications, programming, precision and repeatability.
• CP7. Simulation complements for industrial environments.

Preparation of a monograph and poster on UC topics. Simulation of factory environments using software (e.g. FlexSim).

• Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, Global Edition, 4th Edition, Mikell Groover, 2016, Pearson
• Técnicas de Automação, 3ª ed., J.R. Caldas Pinto, ETEP 2010, Lidel