Sensor-controlled robotic loading / unloading cell

Abstract

All modern manufacturing systems aim to be automated. As conveyors are the backbone of flow production systems, this project aims to design and construct a sensor-controlled loading cell. The conveyor will be carrying randomly placed components and the sensor / or sensors, will signal to the conveyor controller to stop as soon as one component passes in front of the sensor. The sensor/s will also be connected to the robot controller (Type: PUMA 200) thus the components will be picked up by the robot and located elsewhere. The first step is to decide which type of sensor is the most appropriate and cost effective. The dimensions of the conveyor and the motor power required to drive it are the next parameters to be determined, keeping in mind the constraints of the room in the mechanical laboratory where the PUMA 200 robot arm is located. Once these primary decisions are made, designed, machined and assembled. the conveyor may be This project involves also V.A.L. programming thus the PUMA 200 robot arm may be manipulated to handle the components correctly. Test routines will be required for correct component location, i.e. to stop the conveyor at the right time.