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Reinforcement learning is a promising approach for manufacturing processes. Process knowledge can be gained automatically, and autonomous tuning of control is possible. However, the use of reinforcement learning in a production environment imposes specific requirements that must be met for a successful application. This article defines those requirements and evaluates three reinforcement learning methods to explore their applicability. The results show that convolutional neural networks are computationally heavy and violate the real-time execution requirements. A new architecture is presented and validated that allows using GPU-based hardware acceleration while meeting the real-time execution requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radial-Axial Ring Rolling (RARR) is an industrial forging process for making strong, seamless metal rings. Conventionally, rings are made circular with constant cross-section. In this work we demonstrate a sensing and control strategy to create rings with variable radial wall thickness and variable curvature using standard RARR hardware. This has a number of potentially useful applications but also provides an understanding of how to control these properties for conventional RARR. The sensing uses a calibrated video camera to take a series of images of the ring top surface. Image processing is employed to measure and track the ring material in-situ. The complete state of the ring is represented by the ring thickness and curvature as a function of its volume fraction, which is computed by combining the measurements from the unoccluded areas with estimates of the ring shape elsewhere. Additionally, we present a marking technique for tracking of material as it rotates through the rolling machine, even after significant deformation of the ring has occurred. We show that rings with a wide range of variation in local thickness and curvature can be formed using conventional RARR hardware and a photogrammetric state measurement technique, combined with open-loop scheduling and feedback control of thickness and curvature. Rings with both variable thickness and non-circular shapes have been produced virtually using numerical simulations and in reality using modelling clay as a material to simulate metals at forging temperatures. We demonstrate that this technique extends the range of shapes achievable with standard RARR hardware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes empirical research on the model, optimization and supervisory control of beer fermentation. Conditions in the laboratory were made as similar as possible to brewery industry conditions. Since mathematical models that consider realistic industrial conditions were not available, a new mathematical model design involving industrial conditions was first developed. Batch fermentations are multiobjective dynamic processes that must be guided along optimal paths to obtain good results. The paper describes a direct way to apply a Pareto set approach with multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). Successful finding of optimal ways to drive these processes were reported. Once obtained, the mathematical fermentation model was used to optimize the fermentation process by using an intelligent control based on certain rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancements to the software aids, used for the development of Programmable Logic Controller programs, are proposed in this work. A possible architecture of the software realizing these enhancements and the language constructs required for its configuration to a specific application are also presented. Based on this architecture, experimental software aids have been developed to demonstrate that it is quite feasible to provide the major services considered in this proposal. These services allow the program developer to emulate the dynamic operation of a specific programmable controller to alternative scenarios of input variations and relationships over a defined time horizon, and configure displays of graphics and timing diagrams which may assist him in following up and testing the program execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]