Abstract
Automation for manufacturing today is where computer technology was in the early 1960's, a patchwork of ad-hoc solutions lacking a rigorous scientific methodology. CAD provides detailed models of part geometry. What's missing is formal models of part behavior, frameworks for the systematic design of automated systems that handle (e.g. assemble, inspect, sort, feed) parts, and tools for rigorous specification, analysis, and synthesis.
In 1937, Alan Turing introduced an elegant model of computing with precise vocabulary and operations that formalized concepts of equivalence, correctness, completeness, and complexity. Can we develop similar models for manufacturing?
"Algorithmic Automation" introduces abstractions that allow the functionality of automation to be designed independent of the underlying implementation and can provide the foundation for formal specification and analysis, algorithmic design, and consistency checking. Algorithmic Automation can facilitate integrity, reliability, interoperability, and maintainability and upgrading of automation.
Researchers are developing a variety of algorithmic models. I'll present results from my lab and others on specific problems in part feeding and fixturing, including a framework for fixturing deformable parts and new geometric primitives for vibratory bowl feeders, and propose open problems for future research.



BIO Ken Goldberg is Professor of IEOR, EECS, and the iSchool at UC Berkeley, and craiglist Distinguished Professor of New Media. He served two terms as Vice-President of Technical Activities for the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. His research addresses robot manipulation, geometric algorithms for automation, and networked robots.