Designing for Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing
Designing for robotics and automation in manufacturing can be tricky. There are so many obstacles that the designer may have to overcome in order for the implementation of the designs into the manufacturing process to be successful. There are tasks that come easily to humans that may be difficult for a robot to replicate, and vice versa. Products have been assembled manually for decades, and adding new technology to the process takes some careful thought and planning. This is why it is important for designers and customers to tackle possible difficulties with robotic systems in the early stages of the design process.
The Basics of Designing for Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing
There are many guidelines for manual automation processes that can easily translate into robotic assembly, and there are others that are unique to automation. Both sets of guidelines have to be considered and tailored towards the desired outcome. If a product has fewer parts, it reduces the cost and increases the overall reliability of the process. This is something that can apply to both robotic and manual automation. Getting to the unique guidelines for robotics can be more tricky. This is when products that were originally designed for manual assembly will often get into some trouble.
Guidelines for Designing for Robotics and Automation
Designing for robotics and automation means that you also have to design the process to fit the abilities of the robotics. This means that there are specific considerations that may differ from the guidelines for manual assembly that you are used to.
With manual assembly, the products can be accessed from multiple sides during the process, but robotics have a much more limited range of motion than humans. This means the products will need to be assembled from the bottom up. It is possible to reorient the piece during the assembly process, but it may not be time or cost-effective.
Another consideration is that parts would ideally be designed with snap fits, so that they easily stay in place after it has been installed, eliminating the need for welding or bonding. Additionally, pieces should have self-aligning features on each part, to reduce error while the robot is assembling it.
The fact that robotic grippers are not comparable to human fingers is important. This means that robots might have trouble holding parts that are easy for humans to grip. Designing the parts specifically so that the robotic grippers can hold onto them more easily will make the process much smoother. This means that material choice is also important. If parts are flexible or fragile, they may not be suitable for the robotic arms to handle.
Lastly, presenting and feeding the parts to the robotics needs to be planned out. They should be supplied in a way that prevents any tangling or overlapping. When presented on trays, it is important that the parts are stabilized in a pocket that allows the grippers to securely grab them. That being said, parts are also able to reach the robot by riding on a conveyor, which allows for more leeway.
Need Some More Guidance?
Ensuring guidelines and plans for designing robotics and automation in manufacturing can be complicated. You want to design them in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible, and in a way that minimizes avoidable errors. We briefly covered many of the basic considerations when going from manual to automated, but you might need to go more in-depth for a successful design. The good news is that we here at Automated Machine Systems can help talk you through the process. Simply contact us or book a virtual appointment today to discuss all your manufacturing needs!
