Virtual prototyping system could save millions says Loughborough Univeristy

The Business Driven Automation system offers manufacturers a faster and more focused tool for the creation of their automation systems according to the university. The virtual tool could save millions of pounds by enabling manufacturers to validate and change automated assembly and production systems at low cost and minimal disruption. The project's principal investigator Prof Rob Harrison said: "We've developed innovative software to give a quick, accurate, virtual 3D prototype view of assembly machine behaviour before they are physically built. We aim to make these tools much easier and faster, and we want to see them used throughout the machine lifecycle, not just at initial design and build." Les Lee, manufacturing engineering, at Ford, said: "Collaboration offers opportunities for reduced costs, faster time-to-market, improved customer satisfaction, strategic thinking and quicker problem solving.'' The system has been developed by Loughborough's Innovative Manufacturing and Construction Research Centre (IMCRC) in partnership with Ford, ThyssenKrupp System Engineering Gmbh and Schneider Electric.