A flexible control system for reconfigurable assembly lines

Abstract With the rising demand for customized and frequently updated products, the current assembly systems require a higher level of reconfigurability and flexibility. Thus we proposed a scheme of reconfigurable assembly line and hierarchical control system. To increase the flexibility of control systems, a communication method and control strategy is presented in this paper. This approach will endow the reconfigurable assembly system with flexibility by encapsulating the ladder diagram program and providing an external interface for the control software to call. This approach is validated with one assembly unit assembling shuttle valve, which takes 40s during the process. The control system can not only monitor the assembling process, but also control the action of the actuator via control panel or control commands.