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In an industrial robotic cell, the optimal layout planning problem needs critical analysis, as it indirectly affects the manufacturing time and cost involved in the production process. This paper aims to propose a generic three-step robotic cell layout planning method and aims to enhance the adaptability of robotic manufacturing cell in small-scale industries.

The method uses the data generated from the point cloud modeling and simulation of the objects (machines and robot) to optimize their positions and orientations in the cell. The simulated annealing algorithm has been used to solve the optimization problem with minimum joint displacement criterion. This approach is critically analyzed and discussed against the data collected from an industrial robotic cell in a foundry shop of a pipe manufacturing industry.

More than 50 per cent reduction in the net joint movement of the robot has been achieved. Immediate feedback of the results by a three-dimensional view of the optimal cell layout without using any commercial robotic simulation package.

The layout optimization of an industrial robotic cell based on the point cloud modeling of its objects is the novelty of the method.

Precision aluminium moulding makes possible the production of large‐size, complex and high‐technology cast parts. However, industrial requirements linked to economic and safety reasons call into question the manual performance of finishing operations. The purpose of this paper is to enhance industrial robot applications by using vision and redundancy optimization to improve their capability.

After having presented the concepts associated with machine and kinematics capability, the paper first describes the finishing constraints related to the process and the study of inaccuracy factors. Adjusting the trajectory by vision minimizes some inaccuracy factors but does not take into account the structure loading. Therefore, the authors present the optimization, kinematics and precision criteria as well as the multi‐objective method developed by integrating the loading aspect. This method has been verified by simulation and the results validated on industrial parts.

The paper presents an improvement in machine capacities based on redundancy and an optical 3D measurement system. It develops the strategies, sensors and cell architecture to perform finishing operations.

The finishing of high‐technology structural cast parts requires the completion of the machining and polishing processes adapted to each part. The choice was made to develop a robotic cell dedicated to integrating specific features, in contrast to machine tools.

This study was carried out within the framework of the Eureka SANDCAST project in cooperation with the Alcan group, specialized in high‐technology moulded aluminum parts.

The paper presents an approach to robotic cell capability improvement. The robotic cell is dedicated to finishing operations, by machining and polishing large cast aluminum parts; the objectives are to improve machine capability and kinematics capacity with vision and redundancy management.

Reports from a French foundry company which has installed its first robotic cell for the dimensional measurements of massive complex parts destined for hydroelectric power plants. Outlines the advantages of using a robot compared to the traditional manual inspection techniques. At present the robot is programmed out‐of‐house using the Robcad robot off‐line programming system. Concludes that the use of a robot has improved the accuracy of measurement and also cut down on cycle time. The company’s next project is to robotize the finish grinding operation.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of finishing robot technology and its applications.

The paper initially considers the development of automated finishing technologies and then discusses robotic systems. The uses of robotic finishing are illustrated through reference to a range of applications and case histories and a final section summarises the key benefits of the technology.

The paper shows that robotic finishing is being adopted by a range of industries including the aerospace, automotive, medical and household goods sectors. The technology has been shown to yield significant benefits, notably improved productivity, cost reductions, more consistent quality and reduced reject levels.

The paper provides a useful insight into robotic finishing and illustrates the key applications and benefits of the technology.

A review of the MACH machine tool exhibition held at the NEC, Birmingham, and specifically on the robotic exhibits. Although the number of stands demonstrating robots was down on the last MACH in 2002, there were some new product releases from Rexroth Bosch, Fanuc and ABB. Two of the first applications of the new Rexroth Bosch articulate arm robot are described, as is a machine tool tending project at UK aerospace manufacturer, Centrax. One of the more popular applications at the show was press brake tending and exhibits by Amada and Edward Pearson are highlighted.

Explores the potential for the use of robotic techniques in the component finishing task. Features a joint project by the French CEA (atomic energy commission) and Stäubli and Seva which has just received government funding. Notes elements of the project such as the role of the man/machine interaction and reports positive conclusions to the deburring study.

Considers the use of robotics in the workplace as a means of protecting workers from exposure to hazardous substances, environments and physical agents. Gives examples of robots being used to handle radioactive material and working in the high dust exposure atmosphere of a plastics factory. Emphasizes the need to use a systematic approach to obtain the maximum health and safety benefit from automation of work, and outlines the areas to be considered. Describes the role of the British Robotics Association in realizing the potential benefits to occupational health from the application of robotic workstations and looks at areas of industry where this might be implemented. Concludes that using robotics to bring about health and safety benefits as well as production efficiency and quality improvement is a wide and new area for industry to develop.

Presents an approach to improved performance and flexibility in industrial robotics by means of sensor integration and feedback control in task‐level programming and task execution. Also presents feasibility studies in support of the ideas. Discusses some solutions to the problem using six degrees of freedom force control together with the ABB S4CPlus system as an illustrative example. Consider various problems in the design of an open sensor interface for industrial robotics and discusses possible solutions. Finally, presents experimental results from industrial force controlled grinding.

An extremely high‐pressure jet of water is an efficient method of cutting soft materials, and combining the waterjet process with industrial robots is an economic alternative to the traditional punch tool method of producing complex‐shaped components for car interiors, such as floor carpets, headliners and door trims. Applications are given of robotic waterjet systems installed in the USA, France and Iran as well as news of a new cutting box introduced by ABB‐IR Waterjet Systems. A further development of the waterjet process is described in which the addition of abrasives enables aluminium castings to be fettled and cleaned.

One of the most notable recent events in factory automation in the UK has been the installation by Perkins Engines of an automated line for assembly of cylinder heads. The line is remarkable because of the number of operations — it includes eight robotic assembly stations and associated peripheral equipment — and also because of the flexibility of production and high product quality.