Automation integration with UPnP modules

A method for leveraging a communication protocol called Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for workcell automation and integration is presented. By leveraging UPnP for automation equipment, a workcell can potentially be built in a modular manner whereby the modules can be easily replaced, reused, or upgraded over time with minimal re-engineering of a workcell. UPnP devices can be automatically discovered and their services can be activated remotely via a communication network. However, the UPnP protocol is relatively new and it was designed primarily for connecting home entertainment devices for serving and playing movies and songs. This paper will present preliminary investigative work required to integrate typical automation equipment such as a robot and its vision system in a simple pick and place workcell.