Speaker: Anna Vitali
University of Bologna

Title: Fixture Layout Optimization in the Wood Industry

Abstract:
In the wood industry, workpieces are commonly processed using machines equipped with movable bars and suction cups that act as fixtures to stabilize the workpiece and reduce vibrations during machining. Modern machines employ square or rectangular suction cup fixtures featuring a square base, allowing them to be mounted on the bars and rotated through 360 degrees. However, this rotational capability introduces additional complexity into the fixture placement problem. Optimizing the layout of these fixtures is essential to ensure both workpiece stability and high production quality. In collaboration with a manufacturing company, we propose a declarative approach to fixture layout optimization based on Constraint Programming (CP). The proposed method automatically generates fixture configurations that guarantee workpiece stability while satisfying geometric, safety, and resource constraints. First, we solve a restricted version of the problem that neglects fixture rotations using a constraint solver, obtaining an initial feasible solution. This solution is then refined through a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm that accounts for rotation. Experimental results show that the quality of the initial solution significantly influences the final placement quality, and that the proposed approach can effectively support expert operators in generating improved fixture layouts.

Bio:
Anna Vitali is a PhD student in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Bologna, collaborating with SCM Group, a prominent Italian company specialized in machinery and industrial components. Her research project focuses on the automated setup of various components on industrial equipment, utilizing Constraint Programming techniques. She is co-supervised by Prof. Maurizio Gabbrielli (University of Bologna) and OPTIMA AI A/Prof. Roberto Amadini.

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