Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years (1.8.2018-31.7.2020), which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Understanding of challenges of distributed systems design. Understanding the motivation of distributed automation architecture from systems' flexibility perspective. Students will comprehend the role of software in a system of systems context with help of examples and coursework from the following application domains: Flexible manufacturing (exemplified on FESTO Didactic plant model); Smart Grid and energy management systems (e.g. residential grid with distributed generation, or residential systems with district heating and distributed generation). Students will learn function block model of IEC 61499 and development of distributed automation systems using this model. Ability to design design automation systems in a modular, object-oriented way in order to fulfil requirements on agility and reconfigurability. Students will be able to justify the choice of a particular software technology (e.g. IEC 61499 vs. conventional PLC) according to the type of application and its requirements. Students obtain practical hands-on systems development skills with IEC 61499, including SCADA and HMI design and deployment to the network of control devices. Students obtain an overview of artificial intelligence methods in automation: artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, semantic knowledge models, reasoning. Intelligent agents.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 10.09.2020 - 07.12.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Valeriy Vyatkin

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Valeriy Vyatkin

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    This course will address the problem of how to design future automation systems in the Internet of Things era, when all sensors and actuators are connected to wired and wireless networks and equipped with own embedded micro-controllers (aka intelligent sensors/actuators). We will discuss motivations for designing automation systems in a distributed way in such application areas as advanced manufacturing or critical infrastructures. The main benefit of using such automation architecture is related to flexibility and adaptability requirements: it is easier to reconfigure a system that consists of intelligent building blocks in a plug and play way, than design and program new configuration. The main tool used in this course will be the emerging automation architecture of distributed function blocks. It will be presented in combination with a variety of modern computing technologies, such as human-computer interaction, model-based design and artificial intelligence. The course can also serve a starting point to motivate students taking more specialised postgraduate courses on particular topics.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course is problem solving driven. The students will receive necessary knowledge for the problem solution via lectures and reading. The students will acquire practical skills of software tools during lab exercises. Exam.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Lectures 20. Reading 5. Individual problem solving 30. Laboratory sessions in small groups 5. Team work 20. Tutorials and other supervised activity in PC classroom, including audits 12. Report preparation and final audit 20. Reflection 20.

    Contact hours: 37

    Independent study: 93

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Slides and handouts

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Automation 1 and 2 from our bachelor or similar knowledge (PLC programming, automation systems, sensors, actuators).

    Software development courses.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Description

Registration and further information