Science and technology roadmap towards robotic in-line quality inspection for implementing zero-defect manufacturing

Abstract

The current manufacturing climate is characterised by the offering of customisable or one-of-a-kind products at mass production prices while complying with sustainability demands. Consequently, modern manufacturing companies are employing more and more industrial robots to increase flexibility and productivity. Nonetheless, for manufacturing companies to achieve true sustainability, a Zero-Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) approach is needed. Such an approach implies applying emerging technologies for quality inspection and improvement, as no system is perfect or free from deviations. Science and Technology (S&T) roadmaps are employed as decision aids to improve the coordination of activities and resources in increasingly complex and uncertain environments. This paper presents a S&T roadmap to guide all-size companies towards ZDM through advanced robotics for in-line quality inspection. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and progress metrics for robotic in-line quality inspection towards ZDM are outlined.