CHIANG MAI UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF NATURAL SCIENCES

Volume 20, No. 02, Month APRIL, Year 2021, Pages 1 - 11

Smart mechanical systems for manufacturing in the era of industry 4.0: condition-based predictive maintenance and dynamic system modification for small and medium-sized enterprises

Giovanni Carabin, Erich Wehrle, Renato Vidoni

Abstract Download PDF

We are in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. Which highlights adaptability, monitoring, digitisation and efficiency in manufacturing as a result of the design of new smart mechanical systems. A central role in Industry 4.0 is played by maintenance and, within this framework, we define and review condition-based predictive maintenance. Thereafter, we propose a new class of smart mechanical systems that self-optimise utilising both condition-based maintenance and dynamic system modification. Akin to smart structures, smart mechanical systems will recognise and predict faults or malfunctions and, subsequently, self-optimise to restore desirable system behaviour. Potential benefits include increased reliability and efficiency while reducing cost without the requirement of highly skilled technicians. Thus, small and medium-sized enterprises are a specific target of such technology due to their increasing level of automatisation within Industry 4.0.

Keywords

Condition-based predictive maintenance, Condition monitoring, Dynamic system modification, Small and medium-sized enterprises

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