SGARIEI

Technical Survey to develop a Robotic Line.

  • A technical survey for robotic lines consists of the exhaustive collection of information, measurements, specifications, and conditions of the actual plant environment where a robotic system will be installed. It is the fundamental ("AS-IS") phase that allows the design, simulation, and validation of the project before making physical investments, ensuring that the selected robot performs the tasks accurately and efficiently.

  • This process covers several key areas:

  • 1. Process and Time Mapping.

  • It involves understanding how the work is currently done in order to automate it.

  • • Work cycle: Precise measurement of the time of each step of the process (part picking, handling, placement, welding, etc.).
  • • Definition of movements: Document current trajectories, turning angles and start/end points (AS-IS approach).
  • • Variability: Analyze whether the product always arrives in the same position, orientation, and dimensions.
  • 2. Geometric and Spatial Survey.

  • It involves physically measuring the space for robot integration (Layout).

  • • Available space: Area measurements, headroom, and structural obstacles (columns, pipes, ceilings).
  • • Interference analysis: Identify existing machinery, pedestrian walkways, or nearby production lines that may interfere with the robot's operation.
  • • Mounting: Location for robot foundation, fixing suspended robots or mounting on mobile structures.
  • 3. Product Specifications and Tooling.
  • • Characterization of the part: Weight, dimensions, material, temperature, and attachment points (to design the robot's gripper).
  • • Existing tooling: Evaluate which current hand tools or fixtures can be reused or automated.
  • 4. Electrical, Pneumatic and Safety Requirements.
  • • Services: Identify availability of compressed air (pressure/flow rate), voltages, electrical power, and data networks (Ethernet/Profinet).
  • • Security: Define security zones, physical barriers, light curtains, or laser scanners necessary to protect personnel.
  • 5. Final Documentation for Simulation.

  • The result of the survey is a set of data (plans, photos, videos, time sheets) that are used to create a 3D virtual model, which allows:

  • • Reduce risks and costs before implementation.
  • • Optimize the trajectory and avoid collisions.

  • In summary, the technical survey seeks to "discover how things are done" currently in order to ensure effective, orderly, and safe automation.


  • DATA:

  • To design and implement a successful robotic line system, it is essential to gather detailed data about the process, the product, and the work environment. This information allows for the selection of the appropriate robot (load, reach, degrees of freedom) and the definition of the cell engineering.

  • Here are the key data points to collect, divided by categories:

  • 1. Process and Task Data (What will the robot do?).
  • • Application Type: Palletizing, welding, assembly, painting, handling (pick and place), inspection, etc.
  • • Cycle Time: Time available to complete each work cycle (e.g., pieces per minute).
  • • Sequence of Movements: Detailed description of where the piece is picked up and where it is placed (trajectories).
  • • Accuracy and Repeatability: Required tolerance in the final position (e.g., +/- 0.05 mm).
  • 2. Part or Product Data (What will the robot handle?).
  • Dimensions and Weight: Maximum weight (payload) and physical dimensions for designing the end-of-arm tooling (EOAT).
  • • Geometry and Shape: CAD drawings of the parts are necessary for the simulation.
  • • Material and Surface: Fragile, heavy, sticky, metallic, part temperature, etc.
  • • Variability: Is it always the same piece or are there different models in the same line?
  • 3. Work Environment Data (Where will the robot be located?).
  • • Plant Layout/Design: 2D or 3D plan with obstacles, columns, aisles and other machines.
  • • Work Area: Available space for the robot and its peripherals (conveyor belts, shelves).
  • • Supplies and Services: Availability of electrical power, compressed air, network connections (PLC).
  • • Security: Need for physical fencing, security scanners, light barriers, areas for human collaboration.
  • 4. End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) Data.
  • • Type of Clamp: Mechanical, vacuum suction cups, magnetic, special clamp.
  • • Tool Sensors: Part presence sensors, force/torque sensors for assembly.
  • 5. Integration Data (What will it communicate with?).
  • • PLC controllers: Brand and communication protocol (Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus).
  • • Vision Systems: If required, determine lighting, camera position and type of object to be detected.

  • Recommendation: Take photographs and videos of the current manual process and obtain detailed drawings to facilitate simulation and design.

  • Additional Requirements:
  • List of processes.
  • List of procedures.
  • List of machinery.
  • List of machines.
  • List of systems.
  • List of departments.
  • List of personnel.
  • Customer list.
  • List of roles.
  • List of production lines.
  • List of production plans.
  • List of main faults.
  • List of current problems.
  • List of losses.
  • List of kpi's main departments.
Money transfers.
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