What is Robotic Assembly?
Industrial robots can be used to automate the tasks involved with putting together a product, such as automotive assemblies, furniture, machinery, or electronics components. This can often be done using a 4- to 6-axis robot that is capable of human-like levels of dexterity. Specialized tooling or grippers attached to end of the arm work with the axes of the robot to manipulate and attach parts. Robot vision components are often integrated into an assembly automation system to identify and sort parts, ensure proper placement and inspect the finished product.
Types of Automated Assembly Tasks
Assembly applications typically consist of multiple operations. While the operations vary with the application, we’ve listed several of the most common operations below.
Traceability and genealogy of parts is crucial to many manufacturing or production processes. Other processes simply require parts to be identified for a specific operation such as assembly or kitting. Our MotoSight 2D and 3D vision products can help identify and validate parts based on part geometry (shape and size), color, barcode, markings and other features.
Many manufacturing and production processes require parts to be sorted. Our MotoSight vision products can help select and sort parts based on part geometry (shape and size), color, barcode, markings and other features.
Flexible feeding is an innovative way to present parts to a robot. Parts are fed out of a bulk hopper and onto a feed surface. A feed surface may be a solid indexing or vibratory surface of a conveyor belt. A camera mounted above the feed surface locates the part and determines its orientation. The robot then picks the parts and performs the necessary operation. If the part size or type changes, you need only make minor changes to the vision locator tool and perhaps the gripper fingers. Flexible feeding is ideal for production processes requiring multiple part types or a family of parts. Our MotoSight products are ideal for flexible parts feeding.
Typically uses a vibratory motion to advance parts from a bulk hopper. Parts are advanced from the hopper onto a rail (or into a groove) that orients the part and presents it to the robot. Bowl feeders are typically designed and built based on the part geometry and mass. Bowl feeders are well suited for applications where the part shape or size does not change. Bowl feeders are not recommended for applications where the part is expected to change.
Automating the distribution of a broad and varied mix of parts or SKUs is no longer a challenge. Advances in 3D vision robotics are improving both speed and accuracy in identifying and sorting nearly any mix of parts presented in bins, totes, cases or cartons. MotoSight 3D BinPick is an ideal solution for manfuacturing facilities that must process parts presented from bins.
End-effectors (or end-of-arm-tooling) are how the robot grips the parts. Complex and advanced assembly operations require the robot to accurately and precisely locate and grip the parts. Often a base actuator (often pneumatic and sometimes electric) is used to perform the open and close motion. Custom gripper fingers are attached to the actuator to ensure proper gripping of the parts. When a variety of part types and sizes are used, end-effectors can become complex.
Some operations necessitate compliance built into the end-effector. This can be done at the gripper fingers or where the end-effector attaches to the robot.
Tool changing is often required for automated assembly operations. As different part types and sizes are needed, multiple gripper configurations might be required. Tool changers provide the flexibility to automatically change end-effectors or other peripheral tooling.
Adaptive grippers are capable of grasping multiple part types and sizes and can be used in some robotic assembly applications.
Part fastening/joining is a critical part of many assembly operations. After all, the nature of assembly is bringing multiple parts together. The fastening and joining methods can vary greatly and depend upon the part types being assembled. Typical fastening methods include screwdriving, dispensing glues and adhesives, ultrasonic welding and inserting clips.
Shipping faulty or defective products can be devastating to a business. Machine vision has a long history in part inspection, ensuring consistent and predictable quality. Whether it’s gauging a part, detecting presence of a feature or error proofing, our MotoSight products have all the necessary inspection and data analysis tools for part inspection.
Using robotics for assembly automation results in:
- more manufacturing flexibility to produce a wider range products with faster time-to-market
- faster changeover times, increased system uptime and asset utilization
- increased product quality with predictable results with error checking and in-line testing
- increased productivity with shorter payback
- optimized workflow designed around your value-added processes, not your fixed automation
- elimination of expensive and dedicated hard automation
Yaskawa Motoman has proven robots, applications expertise, solution partners and a global support network that can put it all together for you. Contact a Sales Representative to discover the best options for your assembly process.
Examples of Assembly Automation
Video
Robotic Assembly Case Studies
Motoman Assembly Robots
Yaskawa Motoman offers a wide range of industrial robot models for high-speed precision assembly and small part handling including high-performance six-axis robots; flexible seven-axis manipulators; dual-arm robots with 15 axes and amazing human-like motion; and a family of four-axis SCARA robots. The SDA (15 axes) and SIA (7-axis), as well as the newest GP-series robots, offer cell space optimization, dexterity with outstanding range of motion and tooling simplification.
Robots, Software and Peripherals for Industrial Assembly
Robotic Assembly Specialists
Applied Machine & Motion Control, Inc.
With over 100 years of machine and motion control engineering experience, AMMC (Applied Machine & Motion Control, Inc. - www.ammc.com) is uniquely suited to support your next robotic project through every phase of product development from design conceptualization, selection, simulation, and... View Profile
Automated Motion, Inc.
Automated Motion is a leading provider of robotic palletizing, depalletizing, case packing and material handling solutions. Our team consists of experienced engineers dedicated to the challenge of providing you with the right technology for your work cell project and the support staff that views... View Profile
Barrie Welding & Machine
BWM Industrial Automation is experienced with a broad range of industries and has the ability to supply you with turn-key equipment. Main industries include automotive, nuclear, food and drug, and construction sectors. We can provide a multitude of automated engineered solutions including but not... View Profile
BRAAS Company
BRAAS Company is a leading distributor of industrial automation products and services. We've been in the business since 1961 and we're proud to be leaders in our field. How did we get here? In the end it's our people that set us above the rest. Our people have the experience, the knowledge, and the... View Profile
C&E Advanced Technologies
C&E has been serving the automation industry for over 40 years. We have over 100 employees and a strong corporate culture based on the following principles: We care about people We do the right thing We've got your back We look for the good Core purpose: C&E makes connections. We are... View Profile
Chicago Electric
Chicago Electric is a world-class system integrator celebrating over 100 years of service. We offer automation systems, products and complete machine solutions to improve productivity. With thousands of installations nationwide, Chicago Electric systems are found in a broad range of industries with... View Profile
Innovative Automation Inc.
Innovative Automation Inc. is committed to providing creative, practical solutions to help our customers increase quality, reduce costs and deliver on-time. We strive to provide superior quality automation technology, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service. Innovative minds working as... View Profile
JR Automation Technologies
Established in 1980, JR Automation is a leading provider of intelligent automated manufacturing and technology solutions that solve customers’ key operational and productivity challenges. JR Automation serves customers across the globe in a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace,... View Profile
Mechatronic Solutions
Mechatronic Solutions has over 45 years of product and industry experience in helping their clients successfully complete automation projects in every major industry. Our mission is to assist our customers through the process of developing automation systems. Let us help you select and implement... View Profile
Mecsmart Systems
Mecsmart Systems Inc. designs and develops all its production and assembly automation systems in house from proof of concept to start of production support. This ensures tight integration, seamless process control and reduces the implementation risk on the customer's manufacturing floor. Our fully... View Profile