Abstracts Track 2021


Area 1 - Robotics

Nr: 1
Title:

Feasibility Testing of Robotics and Part Handling by Advanced Simulation for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Authors:

Nour M. Morsi, Colin Harrison, Mario Mata and David Semple

Abstract: As part of the upcoming fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), processes in production systems are expected to be optimized. For industry transformation to occur, companies must adopt new autonomous robots and learning machines into assembly production lines. However, robotics introduction to (SMEs) small and medium-sized companies is currently hindered by flexibility and cost. To streamline the transition, simulation and offline programming are the methods of approach. Simulation allows multiple scenarios of configuration to be accurately studied before starting the production process. This method minimizes the common risks and mistakes when designing the work cell as well as simulating the actual configuration. Thus, illustrates the opportunity, cost, and expected profit of this adoption. Testing with simulation programs can also shorten the process of adopting a new production line from weeks to days. This project aims to devise a system to quantify and prove the effectiveness of robotics in SMEs. This paper looks at drilling holes in the leading-edge of an Airbus A320 wing to improve productivity. Therefore, an extended rail-robot configuration mounted with a camera is examined to address this situation. This configuration aims to detect if drilled holes on the wing’s leading edge are correctly orientated by having the camera accurately scan each hole. Snapshot images of the holes will be relayed to Matlab for image processing. The project uses Robodk for simulation, an industry-leading software program that can create a simulated prototype. Also, Advanced CAD programs (Solidworks and PTC Creo) are utilized.