Our "Flying Circus" Of Cim

Abstract NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract Session 3520 Our “Flying Circus” of CIM M.M.“Mike” Asoodeh, Carl W. Steidley Department of Industrial Technology/Department of Computer Science Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana 70402 INTRODUCTION We have initiated an affiliation between the Departments of Industrial Technology and Computer Science at Southeastern Louisiana University. This collaboration is part of an on-going effort to develop integrated, undergraduate, technology-rich curricula. We are in the process of creating a model computer integrated manufacturing education facility, using existing equipment and facilities as a basis upon which to build. This facility will be used in courses that emphasize computer-aided manufacturing, computer-controlled systems, robotics, and real-time physical systems with the goal of incorporating the concepts of teamwork, communication, concurrent engineering, and continuous improvement as a major part of the curriculum as well as developing a steady supply of students interested in science, engineering, and technology. As part of our effort, we are incorporating an outreach component to encourage local students to study science and technology and to learn about the career potentials in these fields. We believe that modern computer integrated technology needs to be incorporated into the school environment more effectively so that future engineering and science students can acquire interest and skills necessary for their future academic and professional pursuits. Studies have pointed out the inadequacy of typical methods utilized in delivering instruction related to science and technology. The use of hands-on practices has been shown to be an effective tool in delivering instructional materials. These types of activities can aid the students in remembering verbal information and concrete concepts.1 We have acquired a mobile mini-CIM cell to be used in our outreach efforts. The portability of this cell allows us to pack up, transport to sites for our “show”, in much the same way that the circuses of yesteryear, moved their “big top” tents from site to site to put on their show. This mobile system integrates computer hardware/software, instrumentation, interfacing, computer- controlled systems, real-time systems, and integrated manufacturing. TEAMWORK Circuses depend upon teamwork, and forming teams of people from different technical and specialty fields is an excellent way to respond to any customer’s needs. A team may be formed to design a product, produce a product, or accomplish a defined project. One purpose for forming a team is to improve the communication between people and minimize the chance of errors. However, the team can only be successful if members of the team have adequate communication skills. Project oriented teams are probably the most common type found in manufacturing companies.