Towards industrial internet of things: Crankshaft monitoring, traceability and tracking using RFID. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Segura Velandia, Diana M.; Kaur, Navjot; Whittow, William G.; Conway, Paul P.; West, Andrew A.
• Is Part Of: Robotics and computer-integrated manufacturing. Volume 41(2016)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Internet of Things -- RFID -- Automotive applications; Robots, Industrial -- Periodicals; Computer integrated manufacturing systems -- Periodicals; Robotics -- Periodicals; Robots industriels -- Périodiques; Productique -- Périodiques; Robotique -- Périodiques; 670.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rcim.2016.02.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-5845

Abstract

Abstract: The large number of requirements and opportunities for automatic identification in manufacturing domains such as automotive and electronics has accelerated the demand for item-level tracking using radio-frequency identification technology. End-users are interested in implementing automatic identification systems, which are capable of ensuring full component process history, traceability and tracking preventing costly downtime to rectify processing defects and product recalls. The research outlined in this paper investigates the feasibility of implementing an RFID system for the manufacturing and assembly of crankshafts. The proposed solution involves the attachment of bolts with embedded RFID functionality by fitting a reader antenna reader to an overhead gantry that spans the production line and reads and writes production data to the tags. The manufacturing, assembly and service data captured through RFID tags and stored on a local server, could further be integrated with higher-level business applications facilitating seamless integration within the factory. Highlights: An RFID implementation for the manufacturing and assembly processes of crankshafts in the automotive industry is studied. A reader antenna on an overhead gantry that spans the production line can read/write data to the reusable RFID bolts' IC. The proposed RFID system enables full part genealogy and process history of crankshafts throughout production operations.