An Ontology-Based Method for Semi-Automatic Disassembly of LCD Monitors and Unexpected Product Types

Abstract

Disassembly is a vital step in any treatment stream of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), preventing hazardous and toxic chemicals and materials from damaging the ecosystem. However, the large variations and uncertainties in WEEE is a major limitation to the implementation of automation and robotics in this field. Therefore, the advancement of robotic and automation intelligence to be flexible in handling a variety of situations in WEEE disassembly is sought after. This paper presents an ontology-based cognitive method for generating actions for the disassembly of WEEE, with a focus on LCD monitors, handling uncertainties throughout the disassembly process. The system utilizes reasoning about relationships between a typical LCD monitor product, component features, common fastener types, and actions that the system is capable of, to determine 4 key stages of robotic disassembly: component identification, fastener identification, disassembly action generation, and identification of disassembly extent. Further uncertainties in the form of possible failure of action execution is reasoned about to provide new actions, and any unusual scenarios that result in incorrect reasoning outputs are rectified with user-demonstration as a last resort. The proposed method is trialed for the disassembly of LCD monitors and a product unknown to the system, in the form of a DVD-ROM drive.