Timed Petri Nets for Industry 4.0 Electric Motor Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper considers the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies in streamlining global supply chains for the sourcing of electric motors while meeting the rapidly changing demands for new product features and customization. Methods of comparing these new technologies to conventional methods has not been well established. This research presents a method using timed Petri nets to account for design and process uncertainty in the manufacturing of electric motors. The results of a case study for an induction motor rotor cage supports the cost effectiveness in adopting Industry 4.0 manufacturing practices that is market responsive and minimizes waste in the product lifecycle. A case study of an induction motor cage rotor is presented that indicates the benefits of the proposed design and manufacturing processes.