Over the last few years, there has been a revolution in terms of design and manufacturing, aided by advanced software and hardware. Advanced machinery and 3D printing have transformed the process of manufacturing products in controlled quantities, customising them more than ever before. Recently, Smart Manufacturing (SM) has been making waves, and is being adapted by industries across domains. SM is a tech-driven approach that leverages internet-connected devices to monitor production and enhance efficiency. SM identifies opportunities for automating operations to better manufacturing performance.
Smart manufacturing is considered a landmark in the industry, one of its watershed moments, since the beginning of the Industrial revolution in the 18th century. In the US, this process is referred to as the fourth Industrial Revolution. In Europe, it is referred to as Industry 4.0.
Smart manufacturing is enabled by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The process involves installing sensors in machinery to collect valuable data on their operational status and performance. Previously too, this information was collected but the data was isolated and used to monitor the wear and tear of that part or section. Today, huge amounts of data generated across machines and even across facilities, is collated to analyse and ensure preventive maintenance to avoid downtime.
Smart manufacturing is fast getting implemented across industries from automotive to textiles to engineering and an increasing number of machines are networked through IoT. The results are interesting. For example, SM could enable systems to place an order for raw materials and allot equipment to production tasks that need to be completed on priority. Currently, technical standards for sensor data are being defined to ensure effective communication between systems.
Several technologies converge together to work in synergy, enabling Smart Manufacturing. Key among them include:
Internet of Things - IoT or Internet of Things is a concept of internet-enabling several domestic and industrial devices and appliances such as gauges, meters, measuring devices, regulators, etc. These devices will constantly provide data on their status and performance.
Artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning - This helps in automatic decision-making based on the huge volumes of manufacturing data companies gather. AI is subsequently applied to this data to make intelligent decisions that translate to efficient operations.
· Drones / driverless vehicles - These can help increase productivity by reducing the number of employees required to do repetitive tasks across a facility also contributing to the safety aspects of the workforce.
· Blockchain - Blockchain is a highly secure paradigm when it comes to storing, tracking and retrieving and transmitting records and data. Considering that manufacturing is getting increasingly data driven, this technology is a key enabler of Smart Manufacturing.
· Edge computing - Edge computing enables manufacturers to process massive amounts of machine-generated data into actionable information to help decision-making. Devices such as alarms or sensors connected to a network generate data which is processed at source to derive efficiency.
· Predictive Analysis - Businesses analyse the huge amounts of data they collect from their data points to anticipate functional issues and then improve efficiency through forecasting.
· Digital twins - Companies set up digital twins of their operations virtually, simulating their manufacturing processes, networks and machines. This ecosystem is used to predict problems before they happen thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Lower operational costs: 'Smart-enabled' factories and manufacturing facilities can resolve maintenance issues better and faster.
Improved customer satisfaction: Smart manufacturing provides managers with access to more-precise data, giving them the ability to measure key performance indicators more efficiently and to serve customers better, aligning to their needs in real time.
Significant cost reduction: Smart Manufacturing offers better access to supply chain and production data to improve forecast accuracy and reduce waste.
Enhanced productivity: Machines on a network communicate with each other and generate data that provides real-time insight into production processes that helps achieve better productivity.
Higher employee satisfaction: Modern technology enhances safety, and reduces the component of human error ensuring employees have fewer issues and lesser unhappy customers to deal with.
Energy efficiency: By reducing waste, manufacturers can reduce their carbon footprint. Industries can gain significantly in terms of energy savings ensuring products are more affordable.
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) offers a comprehensive program in Mechanical Engineering, a 4-year, full-time degree program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field. Our institution is committed to providing top-notch infrastructure and has invested significantly in developing cutting-edge facilities, including workshops, laboratories, lecture halls, and teaching aids. These facilities play a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience and enabling students to develop their skills within the framework of the prescribed curriculum.
The Mechanical Engineering department at DSCE boasts an impressive array of lab facilities, catering to various aspects of mechanical engineering education and research. These include the 3D Printing Laboratory, Autodesk Lab, Material Testing Lab, and Computer-Aided Machine Drawing Lab, among others. Additionally, we have dedicated R&D labs such as the Renewable Energy Club, Robotic Club, and Product Design and Development R&D Center, where students and research scholars collaborate on innovative projects.
With an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering program that currently admits 120 students, DSCE has a track record of academic excellence and outstanding placements. Our students consistently secure top ranks at the university level and have a stellar placement record in reputed core industries and IT sectors. Moreover, our faculty team, comprising over 18 PhD holders, is dedicated to driving excellence in academics and research.