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This paper presents a description of intelligent sensor-based manufacturing, reviews previous research in this area, and identifies control system requirements necessary to support successful application of this technology. Current production control systems inhibit the successful implementation of advanced manufacturing control technologies. It is often difficult, if not impossible, to integrate new sensing technologies and advanced control algorithms with existing control platforms. To address this difficulty, hardware and software needs to support intelligent sensor-based manufacturing are discussed.

All dimensional measurement systems, including Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), share certain common characteristic elements. These systems include one or more of the following items: a sensor, a mechanism for supporting the sensor, a device for moving the support mechanism, a technique for planning how the support mechanism will be moved, and a device for analyzing sensor data. By recognizing these common features and capitalizing on the benefits of modularity and interchangeability of these features, the next generation of measuring machines will be able to easily accommodate new sensor technology and to meet the changing demands placed on dimensional inspection processes quickly and cost effectively.