WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
Department of Engineering Technology
MES 581
Work Cell Integration
Course Instructor: William R. Cupples,
E-mail Address: WR-Cupples@.wiu.edu
Office Telephone: (309) 298-2386
Instructor: Dr. William R. Cupples
Classrooms: KH 330, KH 336 and KH 127
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Office: KH 338
Office Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Text: None required, but consult Keramas, J. (1999). Robot Technology Fundamentals Albany:
Delmar Publishers or Rehg, James A. (2003). Introduction to Robotics in CIM Systems (latest
ed.) Upper Saddle River: Prentice-Hall and other resources related to programmable logic
controllers, sensor technology and industrial safety.
I.
Introduction
MES 581 is a study of robotics and automation as they relate to contemporary manufacturing
systems. Students will be introduced to methods of controlling robots and to the integration of
robotics into the manufacturing arena.
II. Prerequisites
MET 281 or permission of instructor. MET 477 is strongly suggested as a prerequisite.
III. Attendance
Full attendance is required. Unexcused absences will reduce your final grade.
IV. Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:
A. develop an understanding of robot designs and how they are incorporated in
industry.
B. develop an understanding of robot classification systems.
C. develop an understanding of robot components, programming, tooling and sensors.
D. develop an understanding of how robots are interfaced with other machines in the
industrial setting.
E. develop an understanding of terminology associated with integrated manufacturing.
F. investigate the future of automated systems as it may be incorporated into the
manufacturing arena.
V. Evaluation
To successfully complete the class, each student must complete EACH of the following
categories of behavioral objectives: (It is expected that all work submitted will be exceptional
graduate quality work.)
A. Participate in a successful group problem that demonstrates the integration of
programmable logic control into a manufacturing process. (Each student shall receive
peer evaluations. The peer evaluation composite will contribute significantly to one’s
grade.)
B. Research a topic, determined jointly by the instructor and the student, that is relevant to
attaining an understanding of robotics as it relates to the manufacturing environment then
present the topic to the class.
C. Complete two (2) weekly technical article reviews of subject areas related to the assigned
course topics. These will be determined jointly by the instructor and the student.
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Technical Review Guidelines:
1. Research Articles: Articles must contain sufficient information to be educational
(not product information advertisements). Articles do not include text information of
lecture notes provided by the instructor. Articles may be found in technical journals,
textbooks, books technical presentations, technical papers and trade papers, etc.
Advertisements and product reviews are unacceptable articles. Work must be
concise and factual. Materials must have a publication date of 2000 or newer. The
review must contain a standard APA bibliographical entry.
2. Article Copy: A photocopy of each article will be attached to the report.
D. Complete one of the following options:
1. Schedule, then conduct, a field trip to an industry that uses automated solutions to
manufacturing problems.
2. Schedule a guest speaker, for a class presentation, who has expertise in robotic
solutions to manufacturing.
3. Complete a research paper on a topic that is agreeable to both the student and
instructor.
4. Define an acceptable task that is an alternative to the previous options.
E. Complete a final exam design problem that includes materials presented in class in
addition to your creativity.
F. Design and successfully complete an individually designed program on each type of
robot in the CIM laboratory and the process control laboratory.
VI. Student Disabilities
If you require special accommodations due to an injury, disability, or other medical reason, please
discuss the issue with me.
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic
accommodations may be made for any student who notifies faculty of a specific need for
accommodation. It is imperative that students bring such needs to the faculty member’s
attention, as faculty are not legally permitted to inquire about such particular student needs.
Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations should contact their
faculty to discuss emergency procedures. Contact Disability Support Services (298-2512) for
additional services.
VII. Laboratory Safety
You are expected to work safely in all activities related to the course. Misuse of laboratory
equipment or any unsafe acts will result in loss of laboratory privileges. Please maintain a clean
and safe lab. It will affect your final grade.
This syllabus is subject to change