In the pantheon of industrial engineering and manufacturing literature, few texts have achieved the status of a seminal classic quite like by Professor Yoram Koren. For students, researchers, and practitioners involved in the evolution of automation, this book is more than just a reference; it is the foundational bedrock upon which modern Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and robotics theory was built.
To appreciate the book, one must first appreciate the author. Yoram Koren is widely recognized as a global authority on manufacturing systems and robotics. Currently a distinguished professor (Emeritus) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Koren’s career has been defined by his ability to bridge the gap between abstract control theory and practical, shop-floor application. In the pantheon of industrial engineering and manufacturing
Yoram Koren's 1983 text, "Computer Control of Manufacturing Systems," serves as a foundational guide for automating industrial processes through Computerized Numerical Control (CNC). It outlines essential concepts, including interpolators, control loops, and adaptive control, facilitating the transition from manual to sophisticated, flexible manufacturing systems. Access a digital copy at YKoren.engin.umich.edu . Computer Control of Manufacturing Systems - Amazon.com Yoram Koren is widely recognized as a global
The heart of any automated machine is the servo system. Koren’s book bridges the gap between control theory and manufacturing application. He explains the dynamics of the feedback loop—how encoders and tachometers feed data back to the controller to correct errors. He famously analyzes the "following error" in velocity control, a concept that remains critical in high-speed machining today. If a machine tool lags behind its programmed position, it can scrap a part; Koren provides the mathematical tools to predict and minimize this lag. it can scrap a part
This article explores the significance of Yoram Koren’s masterpiece, breaks down the critical concepts it introduced to the engineering world, and discusses why—decades after its publication—it remains an essential resource for anyone serious about understanding the "brains" behind modern manufacturing.
One of the most technically demanding aspects of computer control is interpolation—how a machine calculates the path between two points. Whether cutting a straight line or a complex curve, the computer must feed coordinate data to the motors in real-time. Koren introduced and analyzed the mathematical algorithms for linear, circular, and parabolic interpolation. He presented the mathematics of DDA (Digital Differential Analyzers), which are crucial for understanding how a digital computer approximates a smooth curve using discrete steps.