Collaborative Robot Assembly With Inline Component Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly processes in manufacturing are inefficient due to the reliance on human visual inspection, which leads to variations in quality and increased defect risk, and introducing dedicated inspection devices reduces overall assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An assembly system that incorporates a collaborative robot to read identification information on components and determine their correctness, allowing it to perform tasks such as component placement and fixation, thereby reducing human error and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection by worker is used, then inspection quality can be performed, but work time increases and inspection quality varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses identification information reading units (scanners) that automatically read component identification information without human intervention. The controller automatically determines correctness by comparing read information with predetermined information, enabling the system to perform inspection tasks itself without requiring worker time for manual visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection process performed by workers with an automated optical/electronic identification information reading system. Scanners read identification information (such as barcodes or RFID tags) on components, and the controller processes this information to determine correctness, substituting human visual inspection with automated sensing and processing.
2Reliability
If dedicated inspection device is introduced, then defect risk is reduced, but assembly work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection function with the assembly process by integrating identification information reading units and controllers directly into the assembly system. The inspection is performed inline during assembly operations rather than as a separate dedicated inspection process, allowing both assembly and inspection to occur simultaneously within the same workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the collaborative robot for assembly operations and simultaneously performs inspection by comparing identification information with predetermined information. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated inspection devices while maintaining defect detection capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If worker performs visual inspection, then component type confirmation is possible, but inspection quality varies with worker skill
Solution Approach 1:
The system reads identification information from components using scanners and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically compares the read information with predetermined correct information. This automated feedback loop ensures consistent and accurate inspection results regardless of worker skill level, as the comparison process is standardized and repeatable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human visual inspection with automated identification information reading and processing. Scanners optically or electronically read identification markers on components, and the controller processes this data to determine correctness, eliminating variability introduced by human factors such as skill level, physical condition, and fatigue.
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to reduce the risk of outflow of defects and improve the work efficiency of assembly work. An assembly system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to assemble a finished product while sequentially placing and fixing multiple types of components to a workpiece. The assembly system 10 includes a collaborative robot 20 configured to collaborate with a worker 100, an identification information reading unit 27 configured to read identification information indicated on a component placed on the workpiece, and a controller 70 configured to determine whether a type of the component placed on the workpiece is correct or incorrect based on the read identification information and control the collaborative robot in accordance with a result of the correctness determination.