STTR Phase II: Advanced Virtual Manufacturing Lab for Research, Training, and Education

这个小型企业技术转移（STTR）第二阶段项目建议创建一个先进虚拟制造实验室（AVML），用于高科技数控机床的培训和教育。AVML的关键要素是：(a)机器和实验室的纹理3D逼真虚拟模型，包括机器的控制和运动部件；(b)加工操作的半经验模型；(c)流程培训的分层知识库；(d)讲座的非结构化知识库；(e)自然语言类人智能虚拟导师。在这一阶段的研究中，AVML将通过增加更多的功能来完成，包括五轴铣削和刀具与机床之间的碰撞检测，并提高加工操作模型的精度和完整性。此外，AVML将通过结合会话编程、不同类型的机器控制器和两种额外类型的机器来增强：CNC车床和生产级5轴铣床。试点将在一所大学和两所社区学院进行。AVML的应用包括：训练学生在安全的环境中操作制造机器，允许学生和研究人员查看近乎物理精确的制造机器模拟并与之交互，以及在物理机上加工前通过在虚拟机上测试各种计划来优化制造工艺计划。制造业带动创新，是经济增长的强大引擎。然而，美国制造商面临工人短缺，无法运营未来的工厂。AVML将提高制造教育和培训的质量、可及性和生产力，并将推进制造过程的科学发现和工程分析。此外，AVML将加强实验和学习，提高学生的创造力和解决问题的能力，加强学生、教师和行业专家之间的合作，并促进未被充分代表的群体参与和平等获得制造技术培训。大多数潜在的制造业工人没有机会进入能够提供所需培训的最先进的制造实验室。AVML将启用这种访问。这一成功反过来将增强美国制造商的竞争力，并进一步促进美国重要的国家利益。

This Small Business Technology Transfer ( STTR) Phase II project proposes the creation of an Advanced Virtual Manufacturing Lab (AVML) for training and education on high-tech CNC machines. The key elements of the AVML are: (a) textured 3D photo-realistic virtual models of the machines and lab that include the machines' controls and moving parts; (b) semi-empirical model of the machining operation; (c) hierarchical knowledge-base for process training; (d) unstructured knowledge-base for lecture delivery; (e) natural-language human-like intelligent virtual tutors. In this phase of the research, the AVML will be completed by adding more capabilities, including 5-axis milling and collision detection between the tool and the machine, and enhancing the accuracy and completeness of the machining operation model. Furthermore, the AVML will be enhanced by incorporating Conversational Programming, different types of machine controllers, and two additional types of machines: CNC lathe and production-grade 5-axes milling machine. Pilot implementations will be conducted at a university and two community colleges. Applications of AVML include: training students to operate manufacturing machines in a safe environment, allowing students and researchers to view and interact with a near-physically accurate simulation of manufacturing machines, and optimization of the manufacturing process plan by testing various plans on the virtual machine before machining on the physical machine.Manufacturing drives innovation and is a powerful engine of economic growth. However, US manufacturers face a shortage of workers to run tomorrow's factories. The AVML will enhance the quality, accessibility, and productivity of manufacturing education and training and will advance scientific discovery and engineering analysis of manufacturing processes. Also, The AVML will enhance experimentation and learning, increase student creativity and problem-solving capability, enhance collaboration among students, teachers, and industry experts, and promote participation and equal access of underrepresented groups to manufacturing technology training. Most potential manufacturing workers do not have access to state-of-the-art manufacturing labs that can provide the required training. The AVML will enable such access. This success, in turn, will strengthen US manufacturers' competitiveness and further important US national interests.