Sensor economy principles and selection procedures

Integrating multiple sensors into manufacturing systems enables adaptive an d flexible automation and increases process adaptivity and quality control. The design of an optimum configuration must be based on a systematic analy sis relative to operational and economic considerations. This design should include an evaluation of sensor performance, a decision on how many sensor s, of which type they should be, and where to locate them, modes of sensor interaction, and the influence on overall performance based on a cost/benef it analysis. In most real-world applications it is impossible to develop an accurate model to predict sensor performance and therefore, performance mu st be derived empirically but in a systematic manner. This paper presents r esearch and development of integrated sensor economy principles and selecti on procedures in addition to a performance assessment model. A systems engi neering approach is applied for empirical investigations for assessment of alternative guidance systems. The outcome of this research is a set of gene ral design guidelines for integrating multiple sensors into robotic manufac turing systems.