23MEO304 – Automation for Flexible Manufacturing

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of automation and flexible manufacturing systems used in modern industries. Offered as an Open Elective for VI Semester students, the course is designed to provide interdisciplinary exposure to automation technologies that are transforming manufacturing and industrial operations.

The course covers the basic concepts of manufacturing systems, levels of automation, and the structure of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). Students will learn about industrial sensors and actuators, their working principles, and their role in automated environments. Fundamental control system concepts including open-loop and closed-loop control, along with an introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and ladder logic programming, are included to build foundational industrial automation skills.

The course also introduces industrial robotics, automated material handling systems, AGVs/AMRs, and their integration within manufacturing setups. Further, it explores emerging technologies such as smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Human–Machine Interface (HMI), and SCADA systems.

Emphasis is placed on real-world industrial applications and case studies to help students from various engineering disciplines understand how automation enhances productivity, flexibility, quality, and operational efficiency.

By the end of the course, students will gain a practical understanding of how modern automated manufacturing systems operate and how Industry 4.0 technologies are shaping the future of industrial systems.