International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing 

About: International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Computer science & Computer-integrated manufacturing. It has an ISSN identifier of 0951-192X. Over the lifetime, 2193 publications have been published receiving 44092 citations. The journal is also known as: Computer integrated manufacturing.

Human–robot interaction review and challenges on task planning and programming

Abstract: The wide interest of research and industry in the human–robot interaction HRI related topics is proportional to the increased productivity and flexibility of the production lines, as it combines human and robot capabilities. This paper presents a review of recent research and progress on HRI, related to task planning/coordination and programming with emphasis on the manufacturing/production environment. Human–robot task allocation and scheduling, metrics for HRI, as well as the social aspects are reviewed. The role of digital human modelling systems for human–robot task planning related issues is also discussed. The process of learning by demonstration as well as the instructive systems is reviewed, focussing mainly on programming through visual guidance and imitation, voice commands and haptic interaction. The aspect of physical HRI as well as the safety related issues are also discussed. Additionally, a survey on multimodal communication frameworks is presented. Challenges encountered and directions for future research are discussed.

Computer-aided process planning-A critical review of recent developments and future trends

Abstract: For the past three decades, computer-aided process planning (CAPP) has attracted a large amount of research interest. A huge volume of literature has been published on this subject. Today, CAPP research faces new challenges owing to the dynamic markets and business globalisation. Thus, there is an urgent need to ascertain the current status and identify future trends of CAPP. Covering articles published on the subjects of CAPP in the past 10 years or so, this article aims to provide an up-to-date review of the CAPP research works, a critical analysis of journals that publish CAPP research works, and an understanding of the future direction in the field. First, general information is provided on CAPP. The past reviews are summarised. Discussions about the recent CAPP research are presented in a number of categories, i.e. feature-based technologies, knowledge-based systems, artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms, fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic, Petri nets, agent-based technology, Internet-based technology, STEP-compliant CAPP and other emerging technologies. Research on some specific aspects of CAPP is also provided. Discussions and analysis of the methods are then presented based on the data gathered from the Elsevier's Scopus abstract and citation database. The concepts of 'Subject Strength' of a journal and 'technology impact factor' are introduced and used for discussions based on the publication data. The former is used to gauge the level of focus of a journal on a particular research subject/domain, whereas the latter is used to assess the level of impact of a particular technology, in terms of citation counts. Finally, a discussion on the future development is presented.

Cloud manufacturing: key characteristics and applications

Abstract: Cloud manufacturing is emerging as a new manufacturing paradigm as well as an integrated technology, which is promising in transforming today’s manufacturing industry towards service-oriented, highly collaborative and innovative manufacturing in the future. In order to better understand cloud manufacturing, this paper provides a critical review of relevant concepts and ideas in cloud computing as well as advanced manufacturing technologies that contribute to the evolution of cloud manufacturing. The key characteristics of cloud manufacturing are also presented in order to clarify the cloud manufacturing concept. Furthermore, a four-process structure is proposed to describe the typical scenario in cloud manufacturing, hoping to provide a theoretical reference for practical applications. Finally, an application case of a private cloud manufacturing system for a conglomerate is presented.

Analysis of periodic and event-driven rescheduling policies in dynamic shops

Abstract: We address the problem of rescheduling production systems in the face of dynamic job arrivals. Using simple single-and parallel-machine models to gain insight, we provide worst-case and computational analyses of periodic and event-driven rescheduling policies. Our results indicate that event-driven policies can obtain high-quality schedules with less rescheduling than continuous rescheduling policies. We also show that if structure in the job arrival process is exploited very effective periodic rescheduling policies can be designed.

Real-time information capturing and integration framework of the internet of manufacturing things

Abstract: Currently, the typical challenges that manufacturing enterprises faced are the lack of timely, accurate and consistent information of manufacturing things resources during manufacturing execution. Real-time information visibility and traceability allows decision makers to make better-informed shop-floor decisions. In this article, a real-time information capturing and integration architecture of the internet of manufacturing things IoMT is presented to provide a new paradigm by extending the techniques of IoT to manufacturing field. Under this architecture and its key components, the manufacturing things such as operators, machines, pallets, materials etc. can be embedded with sensors, they can interact with each other. Considering the challenges of processing a huge amount of real-time data into useful information and exchange it among the heterogeneous application systems, a Real-time Manufacturing Information Integration Service RTMIIS has been designed to achieve seamless dual-way connectivity and interoperability among enterprise layer, workshop floor layer and machine layer. Finally, a near-life scenario has been used to illustrate the proof-of-concept application of the proposed IoMT.