At Process Automation Corporation, our customer,
Penn Engineering, asked us to create an application that acquires
high-speed analog data on multiple channels, runs custom processing
algorithms, and provides deterministic control to operate their new
verificable fastener installation tool (VFI).

If
we failed to terminate the installation process at the correct point,
we would reduce the holding power of the fastener due to incomplete
seating or damage due to excessive force. Therefore, we had to
calculate the proper stopping point in real time, during the
acquisition, as torque and displacement values varied when fastening to
materials of different density and thickness. We installed one of the
VFI tool applications on the end of a robotic arm in a vehicle
manufacturing plant. As a result of the requirements of this
application, we sought out a platform that provided a robust,
industrial-grade chassis with low weight, high reliability, and a small
footprint.

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