Artificial Neural Network Applied to Virtual Commissioning and Control of a Robotic Cell

Authors

Keywords:

Machine learning, Digital Manufacturing, Virtualization, Industry 4.0, Programmable logic controller

Abstract

The world is undergoing significant changes in information technologies and industrial processes. The rise of Industry 4.0 and the advancement of artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities and challenges for industries. This study investigates the feasibility of substituting a traditional programmable logic controller (PLC) with a neural network-based control system for discrete event management within a robotic cell. The research assesses the feasibility of this replacement, analyzing the associated challenges, limitations, and advantages compared to traditional methods. Digital manufacturing software is employed for simulating and validating the proposed model through a Virtual Comissioning (VC). The control system of the proposed model utilizes artificial neural networks, trained using data derived from a Boolean logic model. The results indicate that it is possible to swiftly train an artificial neural network (ANN) to take over cell control. This approach opens up the possibility of implementing low-cost hardware, aligning the system with
the concepts of Industry 4.0. Additionally, the virtual modeling conducted using digital manufacturing software paves the way for a future implementation of a digital twin. Findings indicate that the neural network control approach is feasible and offers operational advantages over traditional programming methods.

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Author Biographies

Gabriel Bastos de Miranda, Centro Universitário FEI

Gabriel Bastos de Miranda holds a degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electronics from Centro Universitário FEI (FEI), São Paulo - Brazil, (2017), and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, specializing in the Production area, from the same institution (2020), with a research focus on modeling and advanced manufacturing. In 2019, he served as a professor of robotics and automation at SENAI-Brazil. Over the past 12 years, he has been involved in the automation and planning of automatic lines, specializing in simulation, virtual commissioning, and software development.

Fábio Lima, Centro Universitário FEI

F´abio Lima (Member, IEEE) received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Paulista State University (UNESP - Brazil) and the University of S˜ao Paulo (USP - Brazil) in 1998 and 2001 respectively. He completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at USP in 2010. He is a fulltime professor in the Industrial Engineering department at Centro Universit´ario FEI (FEI), S˜ao Paulo - Brazil, where he teaches subjects related to industrial automation and manufacturing systems. He is also a member of the master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering at FEI in the production systems area. Additionally, he is a scientific adviser to FAPESP (S˜ao Paulo Research Foundation - Brazil) and a member of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society. His presentations at IEEE-IECON conferences in 2013 (Vienna) and 2015 (Yokohama) won the best presentation award. Currently, he is the coordinator of the Digital Manufacturing Laboratory and the 5G Solutions Center at Centro Universit´ario FEI, developing projects related to Industry 4.0.

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Published

2025-03-07

How to Cite

Bastos de Miranda, G., & Lima, F. (2025). Artificial Neural Network Applied to Virtual Commissioning and Control of a Robotic Cell. IEEE Latin America Transactions, 23(4), 301–311. Retrieved from https://latamt.ieeer9.org/index.php/transactions/article/view/9233