Leveraging Digital Twins for Next-Generation Manufacturing Automation Systems
Speaker: David A. Guerra-Zubiaga, associate professor of Mechatronics Engineering at Kennesaw State University.
David A. Guerra-Zubiaga
Associate Professor, Department of Mechatronics Engineering
Kennesaw State University
Monday, March 17
12:00 - 1:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: Callaway/GTMI bldg., Room 114
Lunch provided for in-person attendees on a first come first serve basis.
If you can’t join us in-person, Zoom link: https://gatech.zoom.us/j/93831187600?pwd=ZEspBdkH5vjWfl5KyHzMYorcNA8FKt.1
Please register here prior to attending.
Abstract: Manufacturing engineering plays a critical role in optimizing raw materials and transforming them into final products. While traditional industry efforts have primarily focused on designing complex products, recent advancements emphasize the need for innovative and competitive manufacturing processes. This shift aligns with Industry 5.0 trends, which emphasize greater human-machine collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. This research explores key Industry 5.0 advancements, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence, cloud manufacturing, and cyber-manufacturing systems, to enhance manufacturing automation. A central hypothesis is that adopting these technologies will lead to more efficient and intelligent Next-Generation Manufacturing Automation Systems (NGMAS). A key focus of this research is Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI), where Digital Twins serve as a bridge to implementing Industry 5.0 principles. Years of exploration in this field have revealed the need for new methodologies—not only for creating digital twins using advanced virtual tools but also for integrating sophisticated instrumentation and control systems. This research contributes to defining these methodologies, ensuring seamless MSI implementation, and advancing the development of NGMAS.
About the speaker: Dr. Guerra-Zubiaga is an accomplished academic-industrial executive with a strong background in educational leadership and industry engagement. As an Engineering Faculty Professor with over 16 years of experience, he has played a key role in advancing academic initiatives, fostering student success, and supporting faculty in a shared governance environment. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Guerra-Zubiaga has 15+ years of full-time experience in research and development within the industry. His expertise lies in developing new products and integrating complex technologies. He has successfully led international industrial projects totaling $14.2 million in research funding. Notably, in 2014 and 2016, he secured a $340 million in-kind software grant from Siemens PLM Software. His research contributions include 2 patents, 1 book, and over 100 international publications. He has also supervised 25 postgraduate theses. Since 2011, he has served as Senior Associate Editor (North America) for the International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. Additionally, he has been actively involved with ASME-IMECE since 2017, currently serving as a Track Organizer for Advanced Manufacturing. Today, Dr. Guerra-Zubiaga is an Associate Professor in the Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Department at Kennesaw State University and holds the title of Siemens Endowed Professor of Mechatronics.