Production system, controller, and control method

A controller, comprising:

• a communication interface configured to allow data communication among a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing workpieces, a post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing for the workpieces, an image sensor arranged above a conveyor connected to the manufacturing apparatus to recognize workpieces traveling on the conveyor and measure a density of the workpieces on the conveyor, and a robot for picking each workpiece on the conveyor connected to the manufacturing apparatus;
• and
• a processor configured to perform
• a first task for identifying a position of each workpiece on the conveyor based on a recognition result obtained by the image sensor and causing the robot to pick a target workpiece,
• a second task for performing processing in the manufacturing apparatus,
• a third task for performing processing in the post-processing apparatus, and
• a fourth task for adjusting a processing capability of at least one of the manufacturing apparatus and the post-processing apparatus based on the density of the workpieces measured by the image sensor.

A control method for a production system including a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing workpieces, a post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing for the workpieces, a plurality of conveyors for transporting the workpieces manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus to the post-processing apparatus, and a tracking system for recognizing workpieces traveling on one of the conveyors connected to the manufacturing apparatus, and picking each workpiece on the conveyor and placing the picked workpiece at a predetermined position based on a recognition result for the workpieces,

• the control method comprising:
• measuring a density of the workpieces on the conveyor,
• determining whether the transportation capability to be used for the workpieces on the conveyor approaches a maximum transportation capability of the tracking system based on the density of the workpieces and a transportation speed of the conveyer, and
• lowering a transportation speed of the tracking system and lowering a temperature at which the manufacturing apparatus heats a starting material when the transportation capability to be used for the workpieces on the conveyor approaches the maximum transportation capability of the tracking system.