Experiments for An Undergraduate Automation Laboratory

This paper describes the factory automation expriments that are part of an overall program to upgrade the Electrical Engineeing control laboratories at the University of Missouri-Rolla. The experiments utilize Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and involve sequencing, scheduling, timing, coordination, interfacing of industrial controllers, and factory communications. The experimental setups that are currently implemented include batch control, crane control, and factory communications. A heating and ventilation control experiment has been developed and will be used by the students for the first time in Fall 1993.