Computer integrated quality for the factory of the future

Automation in small companies, if there is any, usually takes the form of stand-alone machines which are designed with a specific task in mind. These are not easy to incorporate into an integrated quality system and do not usually possess any flexibility. The article suggest that many of the problems could be overcome by the use of a network of home or small business computers. It then describes how such a method has succeeded for the testing and calibration of the energy regulator, a bimetallic strip for regulating the temperature of a cooker. Testing is controlled by Commodore Pets, and calibration by Acorn Masters. They are linked by an RS232 serial interface.<
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