Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study applies to a virtual commissioning (VC) workflow with discrete-event simulation in WITNESS Horizon to diagnose and improve an automated brushless stator assembly line. A validated model of the full route—Stator Assembly Machine (SAM), Linear Transport System (LTS), Winding Machine (WM), Terminal Welding Machine (TWM), Inspection Machine (IM) and Electric Tester (ET)—was executed over a one-shift horizon (28,800 s). We compared the baseline configuration with an optimized scenario that retrieved robot tasks and refined LTS routing. Key performance indicators (KPIs) were resource utilization (Busy/Idle/Blocked) and completed operations. The results are quantitative and specific. Blocking at the SAM interface collapsed from 73.32% to 0% at PressPosition and from 80.64% to 0% at Robot2. LTS transitioned from 97.46% Blocked to 0%, with the share of Move/Running increasing to 14.76% (from ~0%). Line output—measured as completed assemblies at SAM—increased from 368 to 425 units per shift (+15.5%). Similar gains were recorded at other stations (e.g., WM1: 351 → 424 operations, +20.8%). These changes reflect the removal of the primary transfer bottleneck and a more balanced utilization across stations. The study demonstrates that VC can deliver actionable commissioning guidance. By quantifying where blocking occurs and testing alternative control strategies in a virtual environment, it is possible to raise throughput while maintaining stable operation. The modeling approach and metrics are reusable for related electromechanical assembly lines.
Source: Processes
DOI: 10.3390/pr13123793
Authors: Florina Chiscop, Andrei Serban, Carmen-Cristiana Cazacu, Cicerone Laurentiu Popa, Costel Emil Cotet
Language: English
Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4416592974