PC-based mechatronic robotic plug and play system for part assembly operations

Abstract

Mechatronics is used to encapsulate the integration of electronics, control engineering and mechanical engineering, where there is a trend towards the development of modular actuating systems. The actuator control under investigation is an industrial robot. The modular system designed would be implemented to other mechatronic systems. Industrial robots form an essential part of mechatronics and computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems. An industrial robot's assembly and materials handling capabilities are essential for the flexibility and quality requirements for manufacturing part assemblies. Robots are generally controlled by dedicated controllers. As upgrades become costly and interfacing becomes complex due to hardware and software conflicts, the flexibility of the robotic manipulators is reduced. As technology in the field of robotics is ever changing the feasibility of the project becomes more apparent, since interfacing CIM machines on a PC level is more practical. With the advances in computer systems and packages, upgrading is merely a case of updating software and PC plug-in cards.