Smart CPS: vertical integration overview and user story with a cobot

Abstract

In this paper, an overview and a demonstration for the vertical integration of manufacturing enterprise layers are described by implementing the manufacturing execution system (MES). In the first part of the paper, the details regarding the MES implementation are described, while in the second part, the use case-specific insights are highlighted. The presented use case contains each important step of a production line involving also a collaborative Baxter-type robot and the state-of-the-art tools for MES implementation. The cobot-involved use case is relevant and generic enough in the context of Industry 4.0 offering a good overview of a typical vertical integration use case which can be generalised and applied to manufacturing scenarios. The paper ends with the lessons learned from the vertical integration process as well as future direction which can be followed in such a context.