RECONFIGURABLE MODULES, PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER, AND VISION SYSTEM FOR DUAL ROBOT ASSEMBLY WORKCELL DESIGN

Abstract

Robot workcell system design involves integrating one or more robots with components such as conveyors, pallets, machine tools, and fixtures. Previous work in workcell design has addressed control and operations management issues such as scheduling. There has been relatively little emphasis on overall design, interface, system integration and agility issues. This paper provides a detailed technical description of (1) a cost-effective approach to prototyping a robotic assembly workcell using off-the-shelf modules and sensors; and (2) the process of designing, building, and integrating a dual robot assembly cell using a programmable logic controller. Modules and sensors used include pneumatic devices, solenoids, Hall effect and optical sensors, relays, optical isolators, conveyor, programmable logic controller, and vision system. Ladder diagrams, vision system inspection tools, and an integration interface were developed to synchronize the sequence of operations and communication between hardware devices. A design framework for web-based control of the system is proposed. Future research directions include web-based monitoring, control, and troubleshooting.