Handling production changes online: example using a robotic palletizing system for the automobile glass industry

摘要

In this industrial case study paper the problem of handling production variations online, i.e. during actual production, is addressed. These variations may occur when it is not possible to exactly guarantee working conditions during a production cycle or between two consecutive cycles. These variations are common in some types of industries, like the glass and ceramic industry, where the products may change slightly during the production cycle. Since it is common to have two or more different model campaigns during a working day, it should be possible to easily parameterize the production system when a new campaign is started. This paper uses a highly‐efficient robotic palletizing system, developed for the partner company Sekurit Saint Gobain (Portugal), to introduce and explain how these problems may be addressed. The paper includes details about practical implementation, along with discussion of options and obtained operational results, showing it to be a good example of human‐machine co‐operation.