Framework to Implement Collaborative Robots In Manual Assembly: A Lean Automation Approach

摘要

The recent proliferation of smart manufacturing technologies has emerged the concept of hybrid automation for assembly systems utilizing the best of humans and robots in a combination. Based on the ability to work alongside human-workers the next generation of industrial robots (or robotics 2.0) are referred to as collaborative robots or cobots. This paper presents a systematic framework based on Roozenburg's engineering design cycle for the deployment of cobots in existing assembly cells for enhanced productivity. A model for defining evaluation-parameters for a cobot are presented. The effectiveness of virtual simulations is discussed for validation and optimization of human-robot work environment.