Development of a decision logic for the selection of a flexible robotic system for the automated manufacturing in tooling

Abstract

Todays tool and die production is characterized by a high level of individualization and complex manufacturing processes. As a result toolmaking companies need a high number of various machine tools which require a high investment and big footprint. A flexible robotic system offers the advantage of combining several manufacturing processes in one set up (e.g. by interchangeable tool heads). But the diverse and contrary requirements of manufacturing processes are a challenge for the selection of a specific robot system. The developed decision logic solves this problem by using weighted fuzzy attribute sets to evaluate the feasibility and economic efficiency.