University of Technology Sydney

42138 Design for Automation: Prefab Construction Manufacturing

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Credit points: 2 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Recommended studies:

Industrial Engineering, Design of Production Systems, Design of Mechanical and Mechatronic Systems, Industrial Automation

Description

As demand for production increases, companies are turning to automation to accelerate their ability to produce goods. The way we design the goods we make can help streamline automated processes. This subject explores how prefabrication, automation of fastening, and automated welding technologies can contribute to improved manufacturing for construction products.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Identify automation opportunities for improving prefabricated construction manufacturing, encompassing productivity, efficiency, technologies, workplace safety and sustainability (B.1)
2. Evaluate product and/or production processes to identify parts suitable for automation and those requiring redesign prior to automation. (D.1)
3. Develop a strategic automation proposal that encompasses manufacturing technologies, addresses prefabricated constructions concerns and anticipates potential issues. (C.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, and influence stakeholders, and apply expert judgment establishing and managing constraints, conflicts and uncertainties within a hazards and risk framework to define system requirements and interactivity. (B.1)
  • Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

The course uses a combination of self-paced online content, interactive live sessions and industry relevant examples, activities and assessment.

The online component focuses on foundational knowledge which will then be extended in the live sessions. Concepts are presented using theory, high-quality videos and interactive text and practice activities. Learners build a broad introductory understanding of automation, the underlying concepts and relevance for adoption in industry. Each module contains practice activities to test knowledge and deepen understanding. Discussions are held using online discussion boards and during online classes.

The interactive live sessions will build on this understanding by presenting more content.

Content (topics)

The content of the microcredential is structured into four modules

1. Module 1: Introduction to production systems and performance measurement

  • Topic 1: Production systems
  • Topic 2: Performance measurement

2. Module 2: Fundamentals of automation

  • Topic 3: Foundation of modern industrial automation
  • Topic 4: Robotic and automated manufacturing systems in prefab Construction

3. Module 3: Design for manufacturing and automation

  • Topic 5: Design for manufacturing
  • Topic 6: Design thinking for automation

4. Module 4: Implications in the operations

  • Topic 7: Prefab manufacturing techniques
  • Topic 8: Cost and efficiency optimization in prefabrication construction

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Automation pitch

Intent:

The intent of this task is to develop and communicate a proposal to improve an existing food and beverage (F&B) production process through automation and will prepare the learner to identify and implement automation improvements to F&B manufacturing processes at their workplace

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1 and D.1

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 100%
Length:

Should not exceed 10 slides, duration of the presentation should not exceed 5-7 minutes

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts

All required texts and content will be provided through UTS Canvas.

Recommended texts

All recommended texts and content will be provided through UTS Canvas.