Application of robotics in rail car manufacturing learning factory: A case of welding complex joints

摘要

The use of a learning factory creates a platform for putting to use research innovations, directly into industrial practice. Railcar manufacturers are migrating to fully automated and innovative solutions with industrial welding robot systems playing a pivotal role in the paradigm shift for tasks such as the production of bogie frames and their components. Furthermore, the skills required for bringing about the automation of dangerous and dirty task in the railcar industry are scarce. There is pressure from stakeholders on how researchers and manufacturers can be more efficient in developing a theoretical and practical application framework for a real-time production in the railcar manufacturing industry. Therefore, researchers must look for ways to transfer and demonstrate the application of robotics research in the shop floor with causing disruptions. In addition, there is a need to develop appropriate and customised skill transfer solutions for both smaller and large business owners especially for tasks that are boring for humans. This paper presents an offline-line scheme for building robotic arc welding cell using device task definition and workbenches of the Delmia V5 Robotics, within the learning factory framework.