Product category:
Process Monitoring and Optimisation
News Release from: SPECIAL REPORT by the Editor | Subject: Cardiff bees
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 August 2006
Cardiff 'bees calculation' sets industry
buzzing
An ingenious new mathematical procedure based on the behaviour of honey bees is delivering sweet results for industry, optimising multi-variable processes
An ingenious new mathematical procedure based on the behaviour of honey bees is delivering sweet results for industry Researchers at Cardiff University's Manufacturing Engineering Centre (MEC) developed the procedure, or algorithm, after observing the "waggle dance" of bees foraging for nectar
The algorithm enables companies to maximise results by changing basic elements of their processes.
When a bee finds a source of nectar, it returns to the hive and performs a dance to show other bees the direction and distance of the flower patch and how plentiful it is.
The other workers then decide how many of them will fly off to find the new source, depending on its distance and quality.
The MEC team's 'Bees Algorithm' mimics this behaviour.
A computer can be set up to calculate the results of different settings on a manufacturing process.
More computing power is then devoted to searching around the most successful settings, in the same way as more bees are sent to the most promising flower patches.
The Algorithm has been shown to cope with up to 3,000 variables and is faster than existing calculations.
By entering basic data about all or part of a company, or even just one machine, the MEC team can calculate the best outcome for a wide range of business processes.
They have already used the Bees Algorithm to work out the most efficient settings on welding systems and for the design of springs.
The Algorithm was unveiled by PhD student Afshin Ghanbarzadeh and his team at the recent internet-based Innovative Production and Machines Conference hosted by MEC as part of its work with the EU-funded Network of Excellence in this field.
The team's research was one of 110 papers presented to 4,000 delegates from 73 countries at the conference, which was held entirely on-line.
MEC director Professor D T Pham, OBE, said: "We had some highly imaginative ideas at the conference and this is one of the most innovative.
This Algorithm can help business work out the most effective way to set up their machines, and save them a lot of money through running their processes as efficiently as possible." Commercial enquiries about the Algorithm should be addressed to Roy Fretwell or James Spenceley at the MEC on 02920 874641 or by e-mail at manufacturing@cf.ac.uk .
Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities.
Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, the University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research.
The University's breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; preparation for a wide range of professions; and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning.
Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britain's leading research universities.
Visit the University website at: www.cardiff.ac.uk .
MEC: The Manufacturing Engineering Centre is one of the most advanced centres for manufacturing engineering in Europe, and is renowned as a multi-award-winning centre for design, development and manufacturing engineering.
It employs around 100 people and is growing.
It has worked with several thousand industrial partners on more than 3,000 projects in the last nine years.
It is the first autonomous research centre to be created by Cardiff University.
For further information contact Frank D Marsh, Marketing Director at the Manufacturing Engineering Centre [MEC] on 029 208 70019 e-mail: marshfd@cardiff.ac.uk.
• SPECIAL REPORT by the Editor: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
