Automated design and optimization of industrial motion control machines: Verification and a case-study

Abstract

Motion control is a form of automation which enables the position- or velocity-control of a machine using an actuator such as an electric motor. The selection of suitable components and actuators for complex mechanical structures requires significant engineering expertise and intelligence. In this work, a design expert system is presented to support the motion control system design process through optimization of mechanical components and accurate selection of an actuator-transmission combination for the system. Verification of the developed system is conducted on an industrial conveyor belt. A case study involving a heavy-weight industrial hoister driven by a DC motor is presented, where the developed automated system is found to consistently outpace human performance on the same design tasks.