The keynote speech presents practical optimization techniques based on a genetic algorithm (GA) for mechatronic systems, especially focusing on auto-tuning approaches in system identification and motion controller design. Comparing to conventional manual tuning techniques, the auto-tuning technique can save the time and cost of controller tuning by skilled engineers, can reduce performance deviation among products, and can achieve higher control performance. The technique consists of two main processes: one is an autonomous system identification process, involving in the use of actual motion profiles of system. The other is, on the other hand, an autonomous control gain tuning process in the frequency and time domains, involving in the use of GA, which satisfies the required tuning control specifications, e.g., control performance, execution time, stability, and practical applicability in industries. The proposed technique has been practically evaluated through experiments performed, by giving examples in industrial applications to a galvano scanner in laser drilling manufacturing and an actual six-axis industrial robot.

Prof. Andrew Kusiak, The University of Iowa, USA
Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing

Dr. Andrew Kusiak is a Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at The University of Iowa, Iowa City. He has chaired two departments, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. His current research interests include applications of computational intelligence and big data in manufacturing, automation, renewable energy, sustainability, and healthcare. He has authored or coauthored numerous books and hundreds of technical papers published in journals sponsored by professional societies, such as the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and other societies. He speaks frequently at international meetings, conducts professional seminars, and consults for industrial corporations. Dr. Kusiak has served in elected professional society positions as well as editorial boards of over fifty journals, including editor positions of five different IEEE Transactions.
Professor Kusiak is a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing.

Title of the speech: Evolution of Digital Manufacturing

Abstract of the speech

The manufacturing and service industry evolves over time. Different stages of this evolutionary process are discussed, for example, open manufacturing and universal manufacturing. Key enablers of the manufacturing evolution are presented. These enablers form properties of digitization manufacturing. An instance of evolved manufacturing is a universal manufacturing enterprise. Such an enterprise is formed based on the models of distributed manufacturing facilities. The emerging standards for interoperability of systems needed for universal enterprises are introduced. The need for data and modeling standards is articulated. Though no global standard for representation of digital manufacturing models in a cloud has been widely adopted, the existing systems engineering methodologies and languages may support the solution needed. The modeling approach followed in this paper is a bottom-up rather than the top-down usually presented in the literature on digital manufacturing.

Assoc. Prof. Thorsten Becker, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Thorsten Becker is appointed as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering while holding the role of the director for the Centre of Materials Engineering at the University of Cape Town, while holding an extraordinary position in the Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering department at Stellenbosch University. His research interest is in structural integrity: fatigue, fracture, and creep. His work aims to use advanced techniques such as digital image and volume correlation, high-resolution microscopy, and finite element modelling to measure and extract engineering parameters for structural integrity assessments. One of his keen interests lies in the additive manufacturing of metals and high-temperature applications. His work closely collaborates with local and international institutions to develop a better understanding of the inherent attributes of the process and its link with the structural performance of the material. He also acts on various professional bodies and consultants to industry, particularly in the field of Fracture Mechanics.

Title of the speech: Structural Integrity of Additively Manufactured Titanium Alloys

Abstract of the speech

Additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloys offers several technological advantages, such as near-net shape forming, flexible and on-demand manufacturing and near-zero material loss during fabrication. These advantages complement titanium's renowned high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. However, despite these benefits, the widespread adoption of AM titanium components is still hindered by a significant challenge - the need for sound fatigue property characterisation to reliably meet safety-critical standards. Process-specific attributes such as distinctive meso- and microstructural features, porosity, high residual stresses, and an inherently rough surface finish can adversely affect fatigue resistance in these alloys. As such, the importance of the unique process’s attributes and how these influence plasticity, fracture, and crack growth behaviour is discussed. Damage-tolerant approaches are introduced to offer an attractive avenue to alleviate the need for extensive process-specific testing and potentially lead to the creation of components that meet structural integrity requirements. This avenue shows promise for future research and development, particularly in the widespread adoption of AM-produced titanium alloys.