A Feasibility Study For The Implementation Of Non Site Based Hands On Curriculum For Engineering Technology Education

This paper discusses the development of an intelligent architecture for web-based programming & control of an automated manufacturing cell. The cell consists of a three-axis TERCO CNC milling machine, an IBM SCARA robot and a raw material feed station. The cell components are integrated using a data acquisition system (DAS), programmed using Visual Basic and controlled through the web. A dedicated web page provides the users the opportunity to learn CNC programming and its control from remote sites. When the user submits a CNC program, the server in the lab takes control and executes various routines to complete the machining of the part automatically. The remote user can witness the operation of the cell through a real video feedback on the web page. Details pertaining to the development, integration and remote operation of the automated manufacturing cell is presented in this paper. The feasibility of providing non-site based hands-on engineering and technology education is also explored through this project.