LAN Implementation in a Teaching Laboratory for Computer Integrated Manufacturing

by David E. Werstler, Western Washington Univ, United States,
Kathleen L. Kitto, Western Washington Univ, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: University Programs in Computer-Aided Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing

Abstract:

The CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) lab at Western Washington University contains a miniature factory with five robotic workcells and eight computers representing various departments of the company, connected with a LAN (local area network) and PLC (programmable logic controller) network. It is the combination of the networks and common database that differentiates the CIM course from others that teach only specific computerized tools, thus fully demonstrating the concept of integration. Each student in the course becomes the manager of a department and implements the assigned software in the paperless factory.

Subject Headings: Computer networks | Engineering education | Automation and robotics | Manufacturing | Industrial facilities | Databases | Teaching methods

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