The robot reliability design and improvement method and the advanced Toyota production system

Abstract

Purpose To demonstrate the theory and effectiveness of reliability‐improvement countermeasures for line equipment, specifically industrial robots for automotive production engineering. Design/methodology/approach Suggests an efficient method of life‐cycle maintenance. The defects of industrial robots are analysed using Weibull analysis. Findings From the analysis, a strategy of countermeasures is framed for component screening, reliability design and lifetime estimation. Originality/value This method has been implemented worldwide in Toyota's factories, and has produced a better operating life cycle for industrial robots.