Overview

Miniaturisation and integration of functions (mechanical, sensing, control, computing) within confined spaces is becoming increasingly important in modern mechatronic systems. Such systems consist of a mechanical structure set in motion by appropriate actuators. Examples are mobile phones, wearable sound and video systems, digital organisers, space application robot endoscopes, etc. These novel systems are currently developed to solve the new societal paradigm which requests higher product quality with reduced maintenance, reduction of time delivery, greater modularity and greater customisation. They rely more and more on emerging technologies or on new concepts. Scale laws make some physical principles useless for microsystems, whereas other principles, whilst uninteresting for macrosystems, become extremely interesting for miniaturised systems. Furthermore, the complexities of the microdomain bring a greater need for collaboration of experts due to the fragmentation of research and the distribution of risk.

Topics of Interest

The aim of the seminar is to discuss the rapidly evolving field of micro-assembly, including the development of microfactories and microsystem fabrication. Contributed papers are expected to deal with but are not limited to the following:

• Design of assembly systems
• Precision actuators and sensors
• Precision joining operations
• Design for assembly
• Tolerancing for assembly
• Control methods in precision assembly
• Robotics and robot applications for precision assembly
• Modular assembly machines and systems
• Web based applications for design and planning of assembly systems
• Cost modelling for precision assembly
• Life cycle modelling of assembly systems
• Standardisation in precision assembly
• Processes and systems for disassembly
• Industrial applications of precision assembly systems
• Collaborative engineering in assembly
• Distributed and collaborative networks in assembly
• Readiness for participation in Virtual Enterprises

For more information, visit the IPAS 2008 website.