Graduation: Model-Based Control Design for Train Accumulation

Graduation: Model-Based Control Design for Train Accumulation

Vanderlande is the global leader in value-added logistic process automation. As systems become increasingly complex, Vanderlande is adopting a model-based design approach to improve quality and reduce time-to-market.

In several solutions, including the POSISORTER (a line sorter using “shoes” to push products to exits), it’s essential to build trains of trays to optimize flow and system capacity. Trays arrive at high speeds but must be delivered at lower speeds, requiring a process of deceleration, accumulation (start-stop), and controlled release.

Current challenges:

• Excessive start-stop actions reduce equipment lifetime
• Complex coordination between system components
• Limited flexibility and scalability

Assignment Goal: Develop an improved, model-based method for train formation that:

• Minimizes start-stop behavior
• Optimizes tray flow and timing
• Increases system reliability and efficiency

Department description

The department focuses on the research and development of advanced material handling systems for automated warehouses and distribution centers. We work in a multidisciplinary environment that integrates mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to deliver high-performance, reliable, and safe mechatronic solutions.

Operating in Agile teams, we emphasize continuous improvement, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept and design to testing and deployment. Our mission is to deliver efficient, scalable, and sustainable systems that help our customers handle goods smarter and faster in today’s rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

Tasks/responsibilities

The goal of this project is to use model-based design to derive an (optimal) design for an accumulation zone, capable of decelerating, accumulating and releasing a train of trays in a continuous way with no or minimal stopping. This entails the creation of:

1. A (simple) plant model with accompanied visualization
2. (Hybrid) observers for the derivation of the system state
3. An implementation of a control strategy. Depending on the remaining project time, an improved controller may be implemented to show the benefits gained.

Your profile

• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink
• Basic understanding of Control Dynamics
• Mandatory enrolment to a Dutch Education System & resident of The Netherlands.

For more information, contact us by e-mail: internship@vanderlande.com.