Modular client/server architecture in multipurpose manufacturing cells

Abstract

Shop floor communications networks are evolving towards the increased use of open connecting equipment, that meets standard protocols, under a client/server architecture. An implementation of a such communications server, based on a low cost PC with multiport and field bus cards, is presented. The first prototype has been designed as a black box transparent to flexible manufacturing plants, connecting with sixteen Scara robots and thirty programmable logic controllers.