ABSTRACT
In an unmanned flexible manufacturing system (FMS) or computer-integrated manufacturing system (CIM) all functions must be automated and adaptively carried out without human intervention at the process-machine hardware level. Actually, a closed-loop adaptive control system needs sensors to feed back the real state of the working environment in the presence of disturbances. The objective is to realize a system in which process performance could be continuously reviewed and process variables varied for achieving optimal machining conditions with respect to maximum productivity, minimum cost, high accuracy, etc. The success of such systems relies heavily on the availability of online sensing devices. Therefore, the development of in-process measurement, including monitoring and control techniques, is the key factor for achieving the real goal of FMS and CIM.
