The Dunder Mifflin Paper Company is facing difficulties to meet production demands as handling the machines in the factory is labor-intensive and they require more person-hours to operate and are often unreliable.To increase production rate and reduce operation time, the manager, Michael Scott has proposed to automate the paper factory and the manufacturing process. His initial plan involved an automated facility where a particular machine can specialize in manufacturing only one type of paper with specified hardware components. However, Mr. Scott’s assistant, Dwight suggested a different approach where the facility can be used to manufacture different types of papers by reprogramming the machine to switch from one paper type to another. Based on the company’s needs, they went with one of the aforementioned approaches.

As the company is also focusing on quality assurance, Michael has also adapted a new inspection technology that utilizes visual sensors with image processing algorithms to inspect flaws or potential defects in manufactured papers.

a. (1 Mark) Which inspection technology is used in the above scenario?

b. (2 Marks) Briefly explain the working principle of the technology used in inspection?

c. (3 Marks) Which types of industrial automation are similar to Michael and Dwight’s approaches? Explain which one is more suitable for the company and why?

d. (4 Marks) What impact can industrial automation cause in the future? Explain in your own words.