CASE STUDY: THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ROBOTS ON TO A FINAL ASSEMBLY LINE

The new gas leak detection process for locating water and other forms of leaks into cars has necessitated the use of robots on the Final Assembly Track. The first system was commissioned in 1982, and has provided a considerable amount of experience on robotics in Final Assembly. This paper sets out the constraints for the installation, the necessary development, the installation problems and provides an appraisal of the future needs in robotic systems. The fully automatic system consists of 2 robots operating accurately and synchronously with a parallel slat floor conveyor in the midst of a traditionally manual assembly area. The prime technical problems concerned the accuracy of the car position, the repeatability of a synchronous robot program and a method for teaching the programs. The other practical problems of safety and maintenance were considered as part of the overall system design. The important feature that contributed to the installation's success was the continuity of Project Management and engineering skills from inception to post commissioning audit.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • ISATA 84, "In Pursuit of Technical Excellence". Proceedings Volume 2. International Symposium on Automotive Technology and Automation with particular reference to Vehicle Management Systems and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Milan, Italy 24-28 September 1984.
• Corporate Authors:

  Automotive Automotion Limited

  42 Lloyd Park Avenue
  Croydon CRO 5SB, Surrey,   England 

  Alfa Romeo Auto SpA

  Milan,   Italy 
• Authors:
  • BRAY, D J
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 9 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Assembly lines; Automation; Automobile industry; Building; Detectors; Facilities; Installation; Leakage; Manufacturing; Robots; System design
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile assembly
• Subject Areas: Construction; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00399979
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: ISATA 84105, HS-038 519
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Nov 30 1985 12:00AM