Smart Factories for the Future
PhD research by Jeroen Didden helps companies adapt and thrive in a constantly changing world
A new approach in factory planning and organization developed by PhD student Jeroen Didden promises to help the manufacturing industry maintain a stable production rhythm while being resilient to unexpected changes.
Smart system
The rise of Industry 4.0 demands greater flexibility and efficiency, especially for manufacturers producing diverse products in small quantities. Didden's research offers a fresh perspective on the traditional manufacturing process, focusing on creating a smart system that can respond quickly to changes in market demand. By introducing intelligent agents and virtual production cells, production is adapted to the demands of a dynamic market.
Resilient
This new approach involves breaking down the traditional control structure into smaller, more flexible units, where machines can learn, adapt and even negotiate in the event of failures. All this results in a manufacturing process that is not only more efficient, but also resilient enough to meet unexpected challenges.
The research offers a promising glimpse into the future of manufacturing, in which factories not only remain competitive, but also thrive in an ever-changing world.
Jeroen Didden defended his PhD thesis ‘Integrated Master Planning and Control’ on 12 March 2024. Promotors Ivo Adan and Vinh Dang.