The robotic cell can be used for various applications thanks to the combination of robots with different kinematics and a conveyor that gives the robotic cell considerable flexibility. The entire robotic cell is controlled by the PLC, including the robots. This means that it is possible to create an easy link with the parent system. There is a digital twin to the robotic cell, which makes programming and correcting errors in the program easier.
There are three different robot kinematics in the cell, namely the six-axis IRB1300 robot, the four-axis SCARA robot, and the seven-axis YuMi two-arm collaborative robot. Each robot can be used for a specific application based on the robot’s disposition. The IRB1300 can be used for line supply and for handling heavier parts. The YuMi robot is for fine symmetrical assembly, and the SCARA robot is for precise vertical assembly, such as electronics. Each robot can reach the conveyor and perform assembly directly on the conveyor or its workbench. In addition, the IRB1300 and SCARA robots have pneumatic tools that can be automatically changed. Four tool positions are available. The conveyor consists of four ovals between which the linear actuators can travel freely based on the production program. Thus, some ovals can be used, for example, as a buffer or staging point for the carriages and also as the main means of distribution between the individual robot workstations. The entire line is supplied by the main access gate, with the help of an AMR robot that transports the parts needed for assembly in the rack.
Key Technologies
- Dynamic part delivery to robot: Highly flexible conveyor ACOPOSTrak transports individual parts and products quickly and flexibly between processing stations on independently controlled shuttles. The whole process is synchronized with robot motions.
- Independent on chosen Manufacturing Execution System: The agent system communicates with the PLC over OPC UA standard and receives information from the manufacturing execution system (MES) over a message broker.
- Agent driven system: Semantic representation of robots, properties, and actions describes the capabilities of the production line and the final product that can be made. Defined goals are received and executed with the agent system.
- Data sharing with corporate systems: The agent system provides information from the PLC to other systems over a MQTT, AMQP messaging broker. The JSON-based message content can be easily integrated into existing corporate systems.
Unique Features
Three types of robots are integrated: one for handling heavy parts, another for precise vertical assembly, and a collaborative robot for delicate symmetrical tasks. Smooth operation and efficient distribution between workstations are ensured by a flexible conveyor system. The entire system is controlled by a centralized controller, allowing for seamless integration with parent systems and benefiting from a digital twin for easier programming and error correction. Additionally, an automated tool change system is featured by robots, enhancing the cell’s adaptability and efficiency. These features collectively make the robotic cell a reliable and efficient solution for various manufacturing needs.
Commercial Benefits for Entrepreneurs
- Short downtime: Create a semantic representation of your products and production line. Change goals without the need to reprogram robots, ensuring maximum flexibility and efficiency.
- Scalability and flexibility: Capability descriptions and robot programs need to be set up only once. When changing production, only the product needs to be described without traditional coding.
- Universal communication: The agent-based system shares information with other systems over a message broker. This makes it easy to integrate into existing analytics and business intelligence systems.
- Technology of the Future: Develop a communication framework that allows the integration of the existing manufacturing execution system (MES) with any robot or conveyor.