Increasing the Efficiency of a Robotic Cell Using Simulation

The paper deals with the possibilities of increasing the efficiency of a robotic cell. The robot assembly station is a part of a multi-robotic workplace capable of performing solitary operations. The complete production cycle of the cell is subjected to a thorough analysis. Deficiencies, having a direct impact on cell efficiency, are identified. These shortcomings include redundant movements of the robotic arm, the absence of an inspection mechanism for the presence of assembly parts, and inefficient instructions of the production cycle algorithm. The identified deficiencies are eliminated using the CIROS simulation tool. The result of the adjustments is a global 11.4% increase in the efficiency of the robotic cell in terms of time performance.

A Bender’s Algorithm of Decomposition Used for the Parallel Machine Problem of Robotic Cell

The present research addresses the single transportation robot used to alleviate problems of robotic cell scheduling of the machines. For the purpose of minimizing the make-span, a model of mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) has been suggested. Since the inefficiency exists in NP-hard, a decomposition algorithm posed by Bender was utilized to alleviate the problem in real life situations. The proposed algorithm can be regarded as an efficient attempt to apply optimality Bender’s cuts regarding the problem of parallel machine robotic cell scheduling in order to reach precise resolutions for medium and big sized examples. The numerical analyses have demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed solving approach.

Method for Robot Manipulator Joint Wear Reduction by Finding the Optimal Robot Placement in a Robotic Cell

We describe a method for robotic cell optimization by changing the placement of the robot manipulator within the cell in applications with a fixed end-point trajectory. The goal is to reduce the overall robot joint wear and to prevent uneven joint wear when one or several joints are stressed more than the other joints. Joint wear is approximated by calculating the integral of the mechanical work of each joint during the whole trajectory, which depends on the joint angular velocity and torque. The method relies on using a dynamic simulation for the evaluation of the torques and velocities in robot joints for individual robot positions. Verification of the method was performed using CoppeliaSim and a laboratory robotic cell with the collaborative robot UR3. The results confirmed that, with proper robot base placement, the overall wear of the joints of a robotic arm could be reduced from 22% to 53% depending on the trajectory.

The The Application of Virtual Reality to (Mechatronics Engineering) by Creating an Articulated Robotic Work Cell Using EON Reality V9.22.24.24477

Virtual reality, VR, offers many benefits to technical education, including the delivery of information through multiple active channels, the addressing of different learning styles, and experiential-based learning. This paper presents work performed by the authors to apply VR to engineering education, in three broad project areas: virtual robotic learning, virtual mechatronics laboratory, and a virtual manufacturing platform. The first area provides guided exploration of domains otherwise inaccessible, such as the robotic cell components, robotic kinematics and work envelope. The second promotes mechatronics learning and guidance for new mechatronics engineers when dealing with robots in a safe and interactive manner. And the third provides valuable guidance for industry and robotic based manufacturing, allowing a better view and simulating conditions otherwise inaccessible.

Cognitive Mechatronic Devices for Reconfigurable Production of Complex Parts

This paper discusses a robotic cell that handles geometrically complex products, exploiting cognitive control and actuation systems for the manipulation, assembly and packaging. The individual mechatronic components, namely a 6-DoF gripper and a flexible assembly mechanism, have been designed via functional decomposition of the actual assembly and handling tasks. The flexibility of these mechanisms is exploited through control modules, performing different cognition functions at cell, resource and device level. The design approach can be generalized for tasks requiring dexterity and adaptation to products. A case study from the consumer goods sector, showcases the system’s reconfigurability and efficiency.