Modular configuration and control concept for the implementation of human-robot-cooperation in the automotive assembly line

Abstract

The automotive industry is facing significant challenges due to shortened product lifecycles, increased product variances, and fluctuating markets. The current assembly systems are unable to handle the increased requirements for mass customization, so they need to be optimized with new technologies. Human-robot collaboration has evolved as a solution to overcome these difficulties and create flexible and customizable automation processes. To simplify the integration of human-robot cooperation into the automotive assembly line and expand the range of applications a methodology for the implementation of cooperative robot systems into the assembly line is introduced. This paper presents a modular means of production kit combined with an integration- and control concept. This will allow for a flexible and easy implementation and reconfiguration of cooperative robot systems.