27/03/2024 Progress

In updating my previous model from the last blog post, I've chosen to use a worker instead of an integrated robotic arm. To test this, I've set up a worker pool where the worker stays when not working, and a broker to manage the workers and assign tasks. As shown in figure 1 below, the worker's current role is to pick up orders and excess items and transfer them to the dismantle machine, where lids and workpieces are separated and sent back for reuse.

Starting April 1st, 2024, the national living wage in the UK will be £11.44 per hour. So, based on this rate and assuming each of the 3 workers will work 8 hours a day to keep the production line running 24/7, their annual wage would be £33,404 each. Multiplying this by 3, for the total of 3 workers, it amounts to nearly £100,000 annually to employ them.

Figure 1: Updated model in Plantsim using an employed worker

Besides working on Plant Simulation, I've been focusing on my report, as Mehnaz suggested during our last meeting, to start with the sections I've already worked on. So, I created a section discussing and providing examples of how various companies utilize Siemens software. It was fascinating to see major companies like Red Bull, Oracle, and Dyson making use of Siemens software.

After that, I included the sections I've been working on, covering NX (modeling and signals), TIA-Portal, and Plant Simulation. In each section, I detailed the steps I took to complete them before moving on to the next. Additionally, I included details about my initial testing phase, highlighting the changes I made and how they impacted my simulation. In figure 2 below is my updated report Table of Contents and the sections that I have included.

Figure 2: Updated report Table of Contents